Accident Overview
An introductory training flight ended with the helicopter sustaining substantial damage after the instructor lost control during a hovering maneuver. The instructor was demonstrating a hover around a point on the ground when the accident occurred. The wind at the time was estimated by the instructor to be 15 to 20 knots from the south.
Sequence of Events
While performing the maneuver, the helicopter entered a position near downwind relative to the wind direction. At that point, the instructor reported a loss of control, and the helicopter began an uncontrollable right yaw. The rotation continued until the helicopter struck the ground and rolled over, coming to rest approximately 300 feet from where the loss of control began.
Damage and Conditions
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and main rotor drive system. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident. At the time of departure, the reported wind was from 180 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was stated in the source material.