Accident Description
According to the flight instructor, a student pilot was setting up an approach near a reservoir. The approach angle was too steep, so the student discontinued the approach. During the second approach, approximately 20 feet above the ground, the helicopter began to yaw to the right. The instructor reported that she took control of the helicopter as it yawed approximately 180 degrees around.
Sequence of Events
After establishing a stabilized hover, the low rotor horn and light came on. The instructor stated that she lowered the collective and rolled on the throttle in an attempt to silence the horn and restore rotor rpm. She noted that the rotor rpm never dropped below 95 percent. Subsequently, the helicopter dropped straight down and hit the ground level, resulting in substantial damage.