Accident Overview
A solo student helicopter pilot was conducting traffic pattern flights at an airport. After completing eight full-stop landings on the runway, the pilot began the ninth approach. During the transition from approach to a hover, the pilot increased power and applied left pedal simultaneously.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that upon entering the hover, the airspeed was "close to 5 knots or less" and the altitude was "approximately 5 to 10 feet above ground level." At that point, the helicopter began a rapid right yaw. Despite applying full left pedal, the helicopter rotated "approximately 450 to 460 degrees." The helicopter then began to "wobble." The pilot lowered the collective to land; the helicopter bounced once and then skidded to a stop.
Damage Inspection
A postflight inspection revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and tail boom.
Pilot and Mechanical Factors
The student pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
Weather information reported by the pilot indicated that the wind at the accident airport was from 060 degrees at 3 knots approximately one hour before the accident. The nearest weather reporting station, located 12 nautical miles away, reported calm wind about 13 minutes after the accident time.