Robinson Helicopter R22 BETA N2318X accident near Lansing, Illinois

Probable cause

Improper control inputs by the pilot-receiving-instruction and the inability of the flight instructor to correct the control inputs in sufficient time to avoid the hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot receiving instruction was demonstrating a 180-degree autorotation at the time of the accident and inadvertently overshot the intended ground target point. After rolling out of the turn, the pilot receiving instruction did not flare properly and, instead, increased collective until reaching the control stop resulting in a loss of main rotor speed. The flight instructor was unable to correct the pilot’s control inputs in time to prevent a hard landing. The landing skids collapsed, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and fuselage. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures associated with the helicopter.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA312 for the full record.