Incident Overview
A flight instructor reported that a student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings at an airport. The student departed from spot C on taxiway Z and flew a right traffic pattern, intending to land on taxiway A.
During a right crosswind turn over a golf course at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level, a large bird flew out of trees and struck the helicopter's tail rotor. The flight instructor assumed control as the helicopter began to yaw, and subsequently initiated an autorotation to the golf course.
Damage
As a result of a hard landing, the tailboom and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Mechanical Status
The flight instructor reported no mechanical anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Bird Remains
Bird remains were found on the golf course and were identified as a Turkey Vulture. The average weight of that species is 4 pounds.