Accident Description
On March 22, 2014, at 2000 central daylight time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 II, registration N44MD, impacted terrain while recovering from a simulated autorotation at the pilot's helipad near Menard, Texas. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, including damage to the firewall, tail boom, and main rotor. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured. The helicopter was registered to Rancho Bonito Livestock and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. The local flight was not operating on a flight plan and had departed from Menard, Texas at an unknown time.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, he was practicing autorotations at his ranch when, during the recovery phase—while adding power—the helicopter's tail struck the ground. The impact caused the helicopter to pitch forward. The main rotor blades then cut through the tail and struck the ground, and the helicopter rolled over onto its right side. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure with the helicopter.