Bell 206L-3 Hard Landing During Practised Autorotation at Grand Central Aerodrome (ZS-RUM)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 1 September 2007, a Bell 206L-3 helicopter, registration ZS-RUM, was involved in an accident at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC). The pilot, who was also the aircraft's owner, was conducting a private flight to practise autorotations in the helicopter general flying area, located approximately 5 nautical miles south of the aerodrome. The flight departed from and was intended to land at Grand Central Aerodrome. During the third autorotation of the session, the pilot experienced low main rotor RPM while initiating the flare at approximately 50 feet above ground level and an indicated airspeed of 70 to 80 knots. The pilot opened the throttle to join the rotor and power turbine needles but was unable to correct the low rotor RPM. Due to the close proximity to the ground, the pilot executed a hard landing on slightly sloping terrain. The helicopter came to a halt on its skids approximately 30 metres from the first point of impact. Following the accident, the pilot switched the engine off by deactivating the fuel valve. No injuries were reported, and there was no pre- or post-impact fire. The pilot was using the aircraft-equipped four-point safety harness during the flight.