Incident Overview
An instructor and a student pilot were practicing autorotations in a helicopter. The instructor first demonstrated a 360-degree autorotation, returning to an altitude of 600 feet above ground level. The student then attempted to replicate the maneuver. After the student had completed approximately 270 degrees of the turn, the instructor observed that the airspeed had decreased to 40 knots and a high rate of descent had developed.
Sequence of Events
In response to the developing situation, the instructor applied power in an effort to arrest the descent. However, the helicopter made a hard landing on the right skid. The force of the landing caused the right skid to collapse. Additionally, all three rotor blade tips were bent, and the right side of the airframe sustained damage as a result of striking the ground.
Aircraft Damage
The damage to the helicopter was limited to the collapsed right skid, bent rotor blade tips, and right-side airframe damage. No information was provided regarding injuries to the occupants or the specific helicopter model, registration, operator, or location of the incident.
Training Context
The flight was conducted as a training exercise focusing on autorotation maneuvers, which are a critical skill for helicopter pilots in the event of an engine failure. The instructor had initially demonstrated the maneuver before the student's attempt.
Investigation Notes
The incident investigation would typically consider factors such as airspeed management, descent rate control, and the timing of power application. However, the official source does not state any probable cause or contributing factors for this event.