Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a flight training exercise in which a certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a quick stop maneuver to a student. According to the investigation, the helicopter collided with uneven ground and rolled over during the maneuver.
Sequence of Events
After performing a series of maneuvers, the CFI repositioned the helicopter and initiated a quick stop demonstration. During this maneuver, the CFI "misjudged the terrain and wind conditions," causing the helicopter to settle rapidly toward the ground. As the helicopter descended, the CFI raised the collective, resulting in a decrease in rotor rpm. The helicopter impacted the ground, became airborne again, and struck the ground a second time. During the impact sequence, the main rotor struck the tail boom. The helicopter came to rest on its left side.
Wreckage and Ground Scar Evidence
An FAA inspector examined the accident site and wreckage. The inspector documented a series of ground scars and debris extending for 195 feet, culminating in the main wreckage. The first identifiable ground scars consisted of two parallel thin scars on the crest of a hillock, dimensionally consistent with the right and left skids. These scars extended for 36 feet and terminated at the edge of a wash. Across the wash, at a distance of 105 feet, ground scars consistent with the tail rotor and stinger assemblies were noted. The tail rotor gearbox, blade assembly, and the most aft portion of the tail boom were found at this location. For the remaining 54 feet uphill to the main wreckage, additional ground scars and debris consistent with the skids were located.
Instructor Actions
The CFI, who was conducting the demonstration, was the sole manipulator of the controls during the quick stop. The source does not specify any further actions or statements from the instructor beyond the misjudgment of terrain and wind conditions.