Accident Details
A flight instructor was providing a discovery flight to a potential student. After a cruise flight, the instructor landed the helicopter to demonstrate hovering. The instructor lifted the helicopter to 3 to 4 feet above a grassy field north of the runway. While maintaining positive control of the collective and anti-torque pedal, the instructor gave cyclic control to the student.
Sequence of Events
While the instructor was "guarding" the cyclic, the student applied right cyclic input. The helicopter descended, and the right skid contacted the ground. The instructor then applied left cyclic, but the helicopter dynamically rolled over and impacted the terrain.
Damage
Substantial damage occurred to the main rotor system and horizontal stabilizer.
Findings
The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.