Accident Details
During a flight review, the flight instructor and the pilot being reviewed were performing a pinnacle approach to a landing site situated between 3,500 and 4,000 feet mean sea level. The approach was conducted with a descent rate of approximately 400 feet per minute and a forward speed of 30 knots. The pilot reported that as the helicopter passed through translational lift, it seemed to require more power.
Go-Around and Loss of Power
The flight instructor called for a go-around due to the indicated airspeed and the high sink rate. Upon initiating the go-around, both occupants experienced a lack of power, decreased rotor rpm, and an increased sink rate. Both pulled their collectives up in an attempt to cushion the landing, but the touchdown was hard.
Post-Impact Attitude and Damage
After the hard landing, the helicopter tipped forward onto its nose and rolled onto its left side. The landing skids were spread and bent, the main rotor blades remained attached but were bent, and the tail boom was bent.
Mechanical Condition
The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.