Accident Overview
During a training flight, an instructor pilot was demonstrating a 180-degree autorotation to landing. The maneuver involves a simulated power failure followed by a controlled descent and landing. However, the instructor inadvertently allowed the helicopter to attain an excessive rate of descent.
Go-Around Attempt
Recognizing the excessive descent, the instructor added power and initiated a go-around. However, the decision to begin the go-around was made too late, preventing the helicopter from avoiding impact with the end of the runway. The helicopter struck the runway surface and bounced back into the air.
Post-Impact Actions
After the bounce, the instructor hover-taxied the helicopter to a parking area. Upon inspection, it was determined that the helicopter had sustained substantial damage. The extent of the damage was assessed after the flight.
Probable Cause
The investigation stated the probable cause as the instructor pilot inadvertently allowing an excessive rate of descent during the autorotation and waiting too long to commence the go-around, which resulted in the runway impact.