Accident Overview
A helicopter collided with terrain and rolled over while hovering above flat terrain during a training exercise. The student pilot was practicing hover techniques by manipulating the flight controls individually. While the student was operating the cyclic, the certified flight instructor (CFI) noticed that the friction setting on the collective had been engaged.
Sequence of Events
As the CFI directed attention to the collective friction setting, the student made a large forward cyclic input. The helicopter responded by assuming an extreme nose-down attitude. The CFI then attempted to counteract the student's abrupt maneuver. Despite the instructor's efforts, the helicopter impacted the terrain and rolled over the nose, coming to rest on its right side.
Investigation Findings
The CFI reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter. The accident occurred during a routine hover training session, with the student focused on individual control inputs and the instructor momentarily occupied with adjusting the collective friction.