What happened
While performing a maneuver demonstration for an airplane-rated student, the pilot of a skid-equipped helicopter was conducting a hover taxi. After air taxiing to the departure end of the runway, the pilot slowed the aircraft and began a turn over the grass area located between the taxiway and the runway. During this maneuver, the toe of the right skid made contact with uneven ground. This contact caused the helicopter to pivot around the skid toe and roll onto its side.
The investigation
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions present in the helicopter prior to the impact that would have prevented normal operation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both the rotor systems and the fuselage.