Accident Sequence
A flight instructor was conducting an instructional flight and demonstrating low rotor rpm operations from a hover. The helicopter was at a height of 3 feet when the maneuver was initiated. The student pilot had their hands on the flight controls, following the instructor's movements. As the throttle was reduced, the helicopter's nose began to rotate to the left. The flight instructor applied pressure to the right anti-torque pedal to counter the rotation, but the pedal initially felt blocked. The right skid then made contact with the taxiway, causing the helicopter to bounce and rotate to the right. In response, the flight instructor applied full throttle and collective pitch in an attempt to gain altitude. However, the helicopter departed the taxiway, entered an adjacent grass area, and rolled over onto its left side.
Damage and Examination
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor and tail boom. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the flight control system and did not find any anomalies. Additionally, the flight instructor reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.