Accident Overview
A helicopter accident occurred during a training flight where the pilot-receiving-instruction was demonstrating a 180-degree autorotation. The maneuver is designed to simulate an engine failure and involve a controlled descent and landing without engine power.
Sequence of Events
The pilot-receiving-instruction inadvertently overshot the intended ground target point during the autorotation. After rolling out of the turn, the pilot-receiving-instruction did not perform a proper flare. Instead, the collective control was increased until reaching the control stop. This action resulted in a loss of main rotor speed.
The flight instructor, who was monitoring the demonstration, was unable to correct the pilot-receiving-instruction's control inputs in time to prevent a hard landing.
Damage and Inspection
Upon impact, the landing skids collapsed, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and fuselage. Both the flight instructor and the pilot-receiving-instruction reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures associated with the helicopter.
Investigation Findings
The accident investigation focused on the pilot-receiving-instruction's execution of the autorotation. The report noted the overshoot of the target, improper flare technique, and excessive collective input as key elements of the sequence. No other causal factors were identified.