Accident Sequence
A flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were practicing hovering auto-rotations at a practice area. After about four executions of the maneuver, while hovering approximately 2 feet above the ground, the student reduced engine power to begin the maneuver. At that moment, the student applied left anti-torque pedal instead of the required right pedal input. The helicopter began to spin to the left and descend. During the descent, the aft portion of the left skid dug into the soft soil, causing the helicopter to stop spinning immediately. A vibration followed the landing; the CFI disengaged the clutch and secured the engine before exiting the helicopter.
Pilot Statements
The CFI reported that he had placed his right foot over the right anti-torque pedal to confirm correct input by the student, but he was unable to prevent or correct the incorrect input as quickly as he should have done. The student pilot stated that on his third or fourth attempt of performing the autorotation, the helicopter spun to the left and contacted the ground. He later learned from his instructor that he had applied left anti-torque pedal instead of right pedal, causing the helicopter to spin to the left at an unusual rate during the autorotation.
Damage
Post-accident inspection of the helicopter by the CFI revealed that the tail boom was substantially damaged.