Accident Synopsis
During a training flight intended to prepare a commercial pilot for a certified flight instructor (CFI) check ride, a full-touchdown autorotation maneuver resulted in the main rotor blades striking and severing the tail boom. The CFI reported no mechanical malfunctions with the helicopter.
Flight Details
The helicopter was aligned with the centerline of the south taxiway. The student pilot initiated the autorotation at an altitude of 60 feet above ground level (AGL), performing a flare followed by leveling the aircraft. When the helicopter descended to about 1 foot AGL, the student applied forward cyclic, causing the forward tips of the skids to contact the ground. This contact triggered an aft rotation of the helicopter. The CFI then assumed control and leveled the helicopter. Upon touchdown, the main rotor blades contacted and severed the tail boom.
Additional Information
The purpose of the flight was to practice full-touchdown autorotations in preparation for the student's CFI check ride. The CFI noted that there were no mechanical issues with the helicopter throughout the maneuver.