Accident Details
A helicopter conducting a simulated right-turn 180-degree autorotation impacted the ground and rolled over during the maneuver. According to the flight instructor, the low rotor RPM horn activated at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL). Both the instructor and the student pilot attempted a recovery. Prior to impact, the instructor heard a loud thumping noise and felt a violent shake in the cyclic control. The instructor stated that he chose to level the helicopter before it struck the terrain and subsequently rolled over.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system, fuselage, and tail boom.
Pilot Report
The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies before the flight that would have prevented normal operation.