Accident Details
The accident occurred during autorotation practice with a certificated commercial pilot and a certificated flight instructor (CFI) on board. The first autorotation ended with a "nice cushioned landing," as described by the CFI. During the second autorotation, the commercial pilot initiated a flare at 100 feet above the ground and applied cyclic control to cushion the landing. The helicopter "settled abruptly," then impacted the taxiway firmly and bounced. Following the bounce, a main rotor blade contacted and partially severed the tail boom.
Pilot Experience
The flight instructor had accumulated 1,660 total flight hours, with 6 hours in the same make and model. The commercial pilot had 750 total flight hours, including 345 hours in the same make and model.
Mechanical Examination
No pre-accident mechanical anomalies were noted with the helicopter.