Incident Overview
A student pilot was conducting his first solo flight in a helicopter. Prior to the solo, he completed two takeoffs and landings with his instructor on board. After the instructor exited, the student took off, flew a normal traffic pattern, and executed a successful full stop landing. He then taxied off the runway and set the helicopter down on the taxiway. From a hover, he began to taxi toward the ramp where the instructor was located.
Loss of Control
As the student performed a left pedal turn, the instructor observed the helicopter lose control. According to the instructor, the helicopter experienced a “massive yaw, pitch, and roll.” The helicopter then struck the ground on its aft skids, causing the aft skid tube to bend. Following the impact, the helicopter bounced and rolled to the left in a nose-high attitude, causing the tail rotor to contact the ground.
Mechanical Condition
An inspection by the operator revealed no mechanical malfunction or failure of the helicopter. The incident was attributed to a loss of control during the pedal turn.
Response and Reporting
No injuries were reported. The helicopter sustained damage to the aft skid tube and tail rotor.