Background
Prior to departure from runway 03, the flight instructor observed a military UH-60 helicopter operating near the runway. The helicopter maneuvered away, and the airplane departed. As the airplane reached the traffic pattern altitude of 1,900 feet mean sea level, the instructor overheard a second military helicopter pilot report that he was on base leg for runway 03.
Sequence of Events
During the legs of the traffic pattern, the instructor reported his position and intentions on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF). The instructor announced on CTAF that he was turning for a one-half mile final to runway 03. At that time, a military helicopter at the approach end of runway 03 appeared to proceed upwind. Based on his observations, the flight instructor continued the visual approach to land.
Approximately 200 feet above ground level (agl), the instructor noted that the helicopter did not depart, but was hovering at 200 to 300 feet agl approximately two-thirds down the runway. Concerned about the risk of a mid-air collision during a go-around, the instructor decided to continue the landing.
Landing and Outcome
As the airplane crossed the runway 03 threshold, the instructor realized the helicopter was hovering at 200 feet agl near the 1,000-foot runway markers. The instructor reported, "As the main wheels touched down the aircraft was caught in a gust of wind from the outflow of the helicopter's rotor wash. The aircraft ballooned up approximately two feet above the runway and immediately caught down flow from the rotor wash which forced the aircraft to the ground. The main wheels struck the runway, followed by the nose wheel which collapsed on impact. The aircraft skidded approximately 25 feet before coming to rest."