Accident Details
A helicopter was substantially damaged during an in-flight collision with terrain. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and dual student were practicing normal approaches at the time of the accident. According to the CFI, the third approach was made to an open field and was terminated in a hover approximately five feet above ground level. The helicopter began yawing to the right, and when the dual student did not correct the rotation, the CFI applied left pedal to stop the yaw.
As the CFI applied left pedal, the dual student stated "You have it" and simultaneously made a "strong" right cyclic input. The CFI attempted to recover, but the dual student then "abruptly" raised the collective without increasing the throttle, causing the rotor speed to decay. The helicopter climbed briefly and then began to settle toward the ground in a "right drift."
The CFI reported being unable to recover rotor speed or align the skids with the ground track before the right skid impacted the ground. The skid dug in, causing the helicopter to roll over onto its right side.
Pilot Information
The CFI reported a total flight time of 247 hours, with 63 hours in the Robinson R22 Beta. He had accumulated 5.6 hours of total instructor flight time, of which 0.4 hours were in the R22.
Examination
Both the CFI and dual student reported that there were no failures or malfunctions with the helicopter. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector verified control continuity during a post-accident examination. No anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure were observed.