Background
The accident occurred during an initial flight instructor check ride. The commercial pilot was being evaluated by an FAA inspector serving as the check pilot. The flight was conducted in a helicopter; no other details of the aircraft or location were provided.
Approach and Go-Around
According to the pilot, during a pinnacle approach on final, approximately 300 to 400 yards from the pinnacle, he "got a bit shallow." He informed the check pilot that he planned to level off to regain a steeper approach angle. After correcting, he continued the descent. Toward the end of the approach, the pilot began increasing lift to terminate at a hover. He noted that he had to do this somewhat early because they were still a bit high and too far from the pinnacle. As he started to glance at the instruments, the check pilot called for a go-around.
The pilot began the go-around by increasing collective and adding forward cyclic, then noticed that the rotor RPM was low. The check pilot reported that the approach was a little shallow but acceptable for the wind conditions. At approximately 50 feet above the pinnacle with about 40 knots airspeed, the approach began to get steeper. The check pilot called for a go-around. According to the check pilot, the pilot responded by lowering collective and moving aft on the cyclic.
The check pilot further noted that the airspeed slowed to around 20 knots, and he observed a reduction in rotor RPM and a large increase in manifold pressure.
Impact
The helicopter began to yaw to the right, rotating approximately 280 to 300 degrees clockwise before impacting the ground on its right side.