Accident Overview
The accident occurred when a commercial pilot with 1,212 hours of flight experience conducted a simulated emergency landing demonstration for passengers. The pilot departed from runway 11 and remained in the landing pattern.
Flight Details
While on the left downwind leg, the pilot applied carburetor heat and radioed his intentions. At approximately 200 feet above ground level (agl), he lined up for a final approach to runway 11 and checked his instruments. All indications were reported as "normal."
Accident Sequence
The pilot then proceeded to "roll off" the engine power. As rotor RPM bled off very rapidly, the pilot elected to leave the collective in the full down position until he applied full engine throttle to start the flare. Shortly thereafter, the pilot realized the helicopter was going to impact the ground "hard." The helicopter contacted the runway with sufficient force that the main rotor blades struck the tail boom, causing the tail boom to separate from the fuselage.
Post-Impact
After the initial impact, the helicopter continued sliding down the runway for approximately 25 to 30 feet before rolling onto its right side and coming to rest.
Examination
An examination of the helicopter revealed structural damage to the fuselage, main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, and the tail rotor drive shaft. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure with the helicopter.