Summary
The instructor advised the investigation that the student had flared too late, during the practice auto-rotational landing. The instructor then reacted too slowly to prevent the helicopter impacting the ground heavily. The aircraft bounced three times and on the third bounce the main rotor blades contacted the tail boom, severing it. Both occupants were able to exit the aircraft safely.
The helicopter suffered major structural damage.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199600099 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 12/01/1996 |
| Location | Caloundra (ALA) |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 26/08/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Hard landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | R22 Beta |
| Registration | VH-HTF |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Flying Training |
| Departure point | Caloundra QLD |
| Destination | Caloundra QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |