Helicopter Rolls Over During Low-Altitude Hover Practice

Incident Overview

During a training flight, the instructor of a skid-equipped helicopter reported that during hover practice, he transferred the flight controls to the student while the helicopter was hovering approximately 3 feet above ground level (AGL). This altitude was lower than the normal 5-foot AGL hover. Shortly after the transfer, the hover became unstable. The instructor then attempted to retake control but was unable to regain control of the helicopter.

Sequence of Events

• The instructor initiated the hover practice at a lower altitude than usual.
• Flight controls were handed over to the student.
• The hover soon became unstable.
• The instructor took back the flight controls but could not stabilize the helicopter.
• The left skid contacted the ground, causing the helicopter to roll onto its side.

Damage

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom and vertical stabilizer.

Mechanical Status

The instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.