Accident Summary
A certified flight instructor (CFI) was providing primary helicopter flight instruction to a student pilot when the helicopter sustained substantial damage during a series of hovering autorotation exercises. The accident occurred on an asphalt surface, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.
Sequence of Events
According to the CFI, while practicing hovering autorotations, the student pilot inadvertently drifted to the left during the descent. The CFI took control of the helicopter and applied right cyclic while raising the collective slightly to level the helicopter and arrest the descent. However, the helicopter began to descend with the right skid low. The CFI then added left cyclic and raised the collective further in an attempt to cushion the landing. At this point, the helicopter drifted to the right, and the right skid subsequently struck the ground. After touchdown, the skids slid over the asphalt surface before the right skid “caught,” causing the helicopter to roll to the right. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor drive system.
Pilot Statement
In his written statement to the NTSB, the CFI reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the helicopter. In the recommendations section of the NTSB 6120.1 form, he noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had taken corrective action sooner, and with less input on the cyclic.