Incident Overview
A student pilot, flying under supervision, was conducting a solo practice session involving 360-degree circles in a hover practice area at the airport. The maneuver was being performed to develop hover control skills. During the exercise, the helicopter entered an uncommanded rotation and climb, culminating in a hard landing that resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
While executing the 360-degree turns, the student pilot reached a point perpendicular to the prevailing wind. To compensate for the wind effect, the pilot applied right torque pedal. This input had minimal effect on the helicopter's heading. Subsequently, the pilot increased power in an attempt to regain control. Instead, the helicopter began a continuous rotation to the right and simultaneously started to climb. The helicopter continued rotating, completing approximately five full revolutions to the right, and climbed to about 100 feet above ground level. At that point, the helicopter descended and struck the ground in a flat attitude.
Damage Assessment
The impact with the ground caused substantial damage to the helicopter. The specific components damaged were not detailed in the report, but the aircraft was rendered unfit for flight without major repairs.