Incident Overview
A flight instructor reported that during a training flight, he directed the pilot receiving instruction to perform an approach to a sandbar located in a riverbed. The approach was conducted from the south, with wind conditions reported as approximately 20 to 25 knots from the same direction.
Sequence of Events
When the helicopter was about 20 feet above the ground, the instructor noted that the approach was steep and fast. He assumed control of the helicopter and initiated a go-around. The instructor performed a climbing left turn to the north. However, during this maneuver, the helicopter began to descend, and the instructor was unable to turn the helicopter into the wind.
The helicopter subsequently made a hard landing, bounced, and yawed to the right. After contacting the ground again, it rolled onto its left side. The main rotor blades struck the ground, and the tailboom separated from the helicopter.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tailboom. The flight instructor stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.