Incident Overview
On October 31, 2017, at 16:05 LMT, a Robinson R-44 helicopter was engaged in training flights under an individual syllabus for reinstatement of the FI(H) rating. The flight instructor was demonstrating various autorotation landing profiles with different approach speeds and recoveries at various altitudes.
Circumstances
During the subsequent flight, while executing an autorotation landing (flare), the instructor allowed the tail skid to contact the runway surface. The instructor then leveled the helicopter, confirmed full controllability, and performed a low-level flight to the Salt Aviation helipad apron. The event was recorded in the Aircraft Technical Log.
Inspection and Findings
An inspection was conducted per MM Chapter 2.510, Procedure 'A', for tail skid ground contact. Aside from scrape marks on the lower portion of the tail skid, no other damage was detected, and the helicopter was cleared for continued operation.
Cause
The cause of the incident was too late leveling at low altitude during autorotation landing (flare) over the runway.