Accident Overview
A helicopter conducting autorotation training experienced a hard landing and rolled onto its left side, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. The accident occurred while a student pilot, under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI), was performing a 180-degree autorotation.
Sequence of Events
During the maneuver, the student pilot raised the collective to maintain rotor rpm within normal parameters. At approximately 250 feet above ground level, the rotor rpm decayed to 95%, and the helicopter began to sink. The lowest observed rotor rpm was 85%. The CFI took control of the helicopter but could not recover before impact with terrain. The helicopter landed hard and rolled onto its left side.
Damage and Conditions
Substantial crushing damage was sustained to the fuselage. Winds at the time of the accident were from 190 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 30 knots.