Accident Details
A helicopter equipped with skids was involved in a training accident while conducting hover practice over an asphalt helipad. According to the flight instructor, he had transferred control of the aircraft to the student, instructing the student to maintain a stable hover. Shortly after the transfer, the helicopter's nose pitched downward and a right lateral drift developed.
Instructor Account
The flight instructor reported that he immediately attempted to regain control of the aircraft, but before he could stabilize it, the front portion of the right skid made contact with the ground. Subsequently, the main rotor blades struck the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the tailboom, fuselage, and main rotor blades.
Aircraft Condition
The instructor stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter that would have prevented normal flight operation during the accident sequence.
Weather Conditions
Meteorological reports from the airport where the accident occurred indicated that the wind was from 200 degrees true at 9 knots, with gusts up to 18 knots.