Incident Overview
A flight instructor reported that, after a student pilot had completed several practice approaches, the helicopter landed and the instructor exited. The instructor then observed the student pilot attempt a takeoff. During this attempt, the left skid of the helicopter lifted off the ground, but the right skid remained in contact. Subsequently, the helicopter rolled to the right and came to rest on its right side.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its main rotor system as a result of the rollover.
Mechanical Status
The flight instructor stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation. The helicopter was operating as expected before the incident.
Circumstances
No other factors, such as environmental conditions or air traffic control communications, were mentioned in the report. The sequence of events began after the instructor exited, leaving the student pilot alone to perform the takeoff.