Primary finding
Probable cause
The dual student's improper autorotation and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The CFI and student had completed several practice 180-degree autorotations. On the fourth approach, the helicopter landed hard. The skids spread apart and the belly contacted the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 6, 2002, at 1128 Pacific daylight time, a Robinson R22 BETA, N7196W, made a hard landing at North Las Vegas (VGT), Nevada. Silver State Aviation was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) pilot and the private pilot undergoing instruction were not injured; the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The local instructional flight departed VGT about 1030. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The CFI stated that they had completed several practice 180-degree autorotations. On the fourth approach, the helicopter hit hard. The skids spread apart and the belly contacted the ground.