Primary finding
Probable cause
The improper landing flare by the pilot-rated student and the inadequate supervision of the pilot-rated student by the certified flight instructor, resulting in the improper touchdown of the helicopter and the helicopter rolling over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated that during a fourth practice 180-degree autorotation with a planned touchdown, the pilot-rated student "over rotated" while leveling the helicopter during the flare. The left skid impacted the ground and dug into the surface. The pilot-rated student stated that the maneuver was entered just south of the numbers of runway 36 for termination between runway 36 and taxiway "Alpha" into the wind. He called "throttle de-tent" which indicated the maneuver would terminate with touchdown. He initiated a normal flare and "...Upon leveling the aircraft it assumed a slight nose-low attitude causing the aircraft to bounce slightly and yaw to the left." The helicopter contacted the ground again while in a right sideward momentum causing the skid to dig into grass and the helicopter to roll over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 15, 2006, about 1550 eastern standard time, a Schweizer 269C-1, N61431, registered to and operated by Helicopter Adventures, Inc., experienced a hard landing during a practice autorotative landing to touchdown at Space Coast Regional Airport, Titusville, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91, local, instructional flight, from Space Coast Regional Airport. The helicopter was substantially damaged and there were no injuries to the certified flight instructor (CFI) or pilot-rated student. The flight originated about 1540. The CFI stated that during a fourth practice 180-degree autorotation with a planned touchdown, the pilot-rated student "over rotated" while leveling the helicopter during the flare. The left skid impacted the ground and dug into the surface. The pilot-rated student stated the maneuver was entered just south of the numbers of runway 36 for termination between runway 36 and taxiway "Alpha" into the wind. He called "throttle de-tent" which indicated the maneuver would terminate with touchdown. He initiated a normal flare and "...Upon leveling the aircraft it assumed a slight nose-low attitude causing the aircraft to bounce slightly and yaw to the left." The helicopter contacted the ground again while in a right sideward momentum causing the skid to dig into grass and the helicopter to roll over.