Incident Overview
A flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting an instructional flight in a helicopter when the CFI decided to demonstrate a 180-degree autorotation. During the maneuver, at approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), the indicated airspeed unexpectedly dropped to about 40 knots.
Pilot Actions
In response to the loss of airspeed, the CFI pushed the cyclic forward in an attempt to regain airspeed. Subsequently, he initiated a flare at about 50 feet AGL to reduce the helicopter's rate of descent. Despite these efforts, the helicopter landed on the edge of the runway on the back of its skids. The impact caused the helicopter to bounce back into the air, after which it began an accelerated yaw to the right.
Subsequent Maneuvers and Impact
According to the CFI, he lowered the collective and reduced throttle as the helicopter spun four or five times. The helicopter then impacted the ground and came to rest on its left side. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the cabin and the tail boom. The CFI reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.