Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot overcorrected following a loss of control while practicing a hovering turn.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot overcorrected during a hovering taxi turn and the tail rotor struck the ground. The student pilot then autorotated to a hard landing which collapsed the landing gear.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot was conducting a solo flight for traffic pattern practice. The pilot switched destination airports due to other aircraft in the traffic pattern. The student pilot reported completing two traffic patterns for the active runway. He then left the active runway to practice lift ups and set downs. When turning onto the taxiway the tail of the aircraft turned hard to the left bringing the nose of the helicopter to the right. The pilot reported he overcorrecting the controls and the tail rotor struck the ground. He then attempted a hover autorotation and the helicopter landed hard collapsing skids.