Helicopter Accident During Hover Training

Accident Sequence

During a training flight, a helicopter was practicing hover operations over a grassy area of an airport. The flight instructor reported that the student was executing a descending hover when the helicopter began drifting to the right. As the descent continued, the right skid contacted the grass, causing the helicopter to roll onto its right side. The main rotor blades subsequently struck the ground. The helicopter continued to roll over and came to rest on its right side.

Damage

An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the helicopter and confirmed substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor blades.

Pilot Statements

The flight instructor and student pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.