Incident Overview
A flight instructor was practicing confined area approach procedures in a helicopter. During the approach, the rotor rpm began to decay. The flight instructor took control of the helicopter and initiated a low rotor rpm recovery procedure. Normal rotor rpm was restored, but a significant loss of altitude had occurred, prompting the instructor to elect to land.
Post-Landing Maneuvers
After landing, the flight instructor initiated a vertical climb to "establish power capability." The helicopter then descended back down to "start their climb." As a positive climb rate was established, the instructor attempted to gain forward speed to help the climb rate. The helicopter began sinking, and the instructor maneuvered down to the ground. During this maneuver, the right skid of the helicopter "sunk into the mud," causing the helicopter to roll over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter.
Environmental Conditions
The accident site elevation was estimated to be 8,000 feet above mean sea level. The calculated density altitude varied between 8,916 feet and 9,732 feet.