Incident Overview
A student helicopter pilot reported that during a local flight, he diverted his attention to the navigational equipment and removed his hand from the cyclic. According to his account, he subsequently lost control of the helicopter and believed the aircraft became inverted.
Pilot Actions
Upon losing control, the pilot presumed that he had damaged the rotor system. He elected to make a precautionary landing by entering an autorotation.
Landing and Damage
During the landing, the left skid of the helicopter touched down on uneven terrain. The helicopter rolled over, resulting in substantial damage to the tail boom.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Manufacturer's Video
The helicopter manufacturer provided a test flight video demonstrating what occurs when the cyclic is released in forward flight. According to the video, if a pilot releases the cyclic during forward flight, the helicopter will pitch up and roll left.