Accident Summary
A student pilot and a certified flight instructor (CFI) were conducting a training flight in a helicopter. The student pilot was preparing for a private pilot helicopter check ride and was practicing simulated engine failures. During one such maneuver, the student pilot reduced the engine rpm from 2900 to 2400, but the engine subsequently died, reaching 0 rpm. The CFI took over the controls and initiated an autorotation, maneuvering the helicopter toward an open field.
Sequence of Events
According to the student pilot, after calling out "3, 2, 1" and cracking the throttle, the engine quit. The CFI then assumed control and performed an autorotation. Upon touchdown in an uneven field, the helicopter flared but then flipped onto its right side. The CFI reported that they were practicing settling with power maneuvers and simulated engine failures. He stated that when the student decreased engine rpm to zero, he took over and entered an autorotation into the field, where the helicopter rolled over onto its right side during the landing.
Postaccident Inspection
No flight control anomalies were reported by the CFI prior to the accident. A postaccident inspection of the helicopter revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical problems.