Introduction
A flight instructor aboard a helicopter was performing a training demonstration. The maneuver being demonstrated was a low altitude autorotation. This was initiated while the helicopter was in a hover and moving forward at a speed described as a "brisk walk."
Sequence of Events
The intended landing zone was a grassy area located just east of the runway environment. Upon touchdown, the helicopter's skids made contact with soft terrain. The soft ground caused the skids to dig in, and the helicopter then rocked forward onto the toes of the skids. Immediately after, the main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter eventually came to rest on the forward skid toes and the main rotor mast.
Instructor Report
The instructor reported that at the time of the occurrence, there was no mechanical malfunction with the helicopter. The terrain at the site selected for the autorotation was characterized as soft.