Incident Overview
A flight instructor reported that a helicopter, while being flown by a pilot receiving instruction, experienced a dynamic rollover during a slope landing practice session. The incident occurred in tall grass adjacent to an asphalt runway.
Sequence of Events
The instructor stated that the pilot was practicing "slope landings" and that he was shadowing the flight controls. According to the instructor, the pilot moved the cyclic to the left. The instructor was unable to correct the control input, and the helicopter subsequently experienced a dynamic rollover, impacting the terrain.
Instructor's Comments
The flight instructor noted that the accident could have been prevented by not practicing slope landings in tall grass. He further indicated that the helicopter contacted the terrain sooner than expected due to the tall grass.
Damage and Mechanical Condition
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and firewall. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
An automated weather observation station located about 12 miles south of the accident site reported wind conditions. Approximately 29 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 170° at 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots. About 9 minutes after the accident, the same station reported wind from 180° at 9 knots. The pilot was landing to the south.