Primary finding
Probable cause
The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the helicopter’s rate of descent, resulting in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While conducting an instructional flight, the flight instructor reported that, he assumed control of the helicopter to demonstrate a left 180° autorotation, and the maneuver began normally. Part way through the maneuver, the pilot noticed that the helicopter was lower in altitude than he expected. He reported that he applied right cyclic and aft cyclic, attempting to slow the rate of descent. The helicopter landed hard and skidded to a stop. When stopped, the flight instructor and the student pilot exited the helicopter, and a postimpact fire ensued. The tail boom and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.