Accident Sequence
While maneuvering for landing at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL), the helicopter's engine suddenly and without warning quit. The flight instructor took over the controls while the private pilot attempted to restart the engine, but the restart was unsuccessful. The flight instructor then performed an autorotation to an open field. About 30 feet AGL, the instructor raised the collective to cushion the landing, but insufficient right pedal control caused the helicopter to yaw left. The right landing skid struck the ground and collapsed. The helicopter rolled over and came to rest on its right side.
Post-Accident Actions
The day after the accident, the helicopter was righted. The battery was reconnected, and the engine was started and run for three minutes at idle power. The helicopter was then transported to a repair facility for further inspection.
Engine Inspection
At the repair facility, the engine was inspected thoroughly. No evidence of any mechanical failure or malfunction was found. Subsequently, the engine was placed in a test cell and run through several test parameters. The engine was found to meet normal test specifications.