What happened
On June 4, 2002, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration F-GHIE, was conducting a training flight from Lognes to Meaux. The flight crew, consisting of an instructor and a student pilot, intended to perform engine-failure simulations (autorotation exercises) near Ozoir-la-Ferrière.
During the maneuver, the instructor reduced power at approximately 800 feet to simulate an engine failure. As the student pilot attempted to stabilize the aircraft at the required 65-knot approach speed, the aircraft's pitch increased, causing the airspeed to drop. This resulted in a simultaneous decrease in rotor RPM, triggering the "LOW RPM" visual and audible warnings.
At an altitude of approximately 20 feet, the student initiated a moderate flare. The instructor, choosing to allow the student to manage the maneuver for training purposes, did not immediately intervene despite the ongoing low RPM alarms. As the aircraft descended, the instructor eventually took control to prioritize a shallow descent path using engine power. However, the aircraft struck soft ground, causing it to bounce and subsequently roll onto its left side, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.