Collision with terrain - Schweizer 269C-1, VH-LTO, Redcliffe Aerodrome, Queensland, on 18 June12

On 18 June 2012, an instructor and student were conducting practice autorotation training to the threshold of runway 25 at Redcliffe aerodrome.  The student initiated a practice autorotation at about 250 ft above ground level and 55 kts.  During the flare, the tail rotor of the helicopter struck the ground and control was lost.  The helicopter impacted terrain and sustained serious damage.  Both the instructor and student reported some minor injuries. 

As a result of this occurrence, the operator has advised that they are investigating a change to the company operations manual, to requiring at least 10 kts of wind in the runway direction for the performance of low-level practice autorotations.

Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin - Issue 12