What happened
A certified flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting training maneuvers involving an engine failure and a 180-degree turn. During the procedure, the student pilot attempted to stretch the glide to reach a landing field located to the left of the aircraft, despite a more accessible field being available to the right.
At approximately 150 feet above the ground, the instructor called for a go-around. As the student pilot applied throttle and pulled up on the collective, the rotor RPM decreased rapidly, causing the helicopter to continue its descent. The instructor took control of the aircraft, but the helicopter struck pine trees before descending to the ground.
The investigation
An examination of the helicopter was conducted following the accident. The inspection did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions occurring prior to the impact.