Incident Overview
During a flight review, a private pilot and a flight instructor were conducting practice autorotations in an unimproved open field. The pilot completed three practice autorotations with power recoveries. During the fourth practice autorotation, the pilot was unable to get the engine to respond during the power recovery. The flight instructor took control of the helicopter at approximately 100 feet above ground level and completed the autorotation.
Sequence of Events
According to the flight instructor, a steep flare was necessary to avoid a tree line. The helicopter touched down on the heels of the skids and the tail stinger. The aft section of the tail boom separated from the helicopter when the main rotor blades contacted the tail boom and the tail rotor assembly. The pilot reported that the flight instructor initiated an aggressive flare, resulting in a hard landing and a violent shudder as the helicopter leveled the skids. The helicopter came to rest upright. There was no post-crash fire.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot reported a minor injury, while the flight instructor reported no injuries. The helicopter sustained significant damage, including separation of the tail boom.
Post-Incident Examination
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the helicopter's engine and found no pre-impact anomalies. Additionally, they reported that more than half a tank of fuel remained in the helicopter at the accident site.