Helicopter Rolls Onto Side After Skid Contacts Uneven Ground During Taxi

Accident Details

A flight instructor and his airplane-rated student were conducting a training flight in a skid-equipped helicopter. The instructor intended to demonstrate a maneuver. He air taxied the helicopter to the departure end of the runway. While turning and hover taxiing over the grass area between the taxiway and the runway, the toe of the right skid contacted uneven ground. The helicopter pivoted around the skid toe and rolled onto its side.

Damage

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and rotor systems.

Mechanical Condition

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