N80686

On June 26, 1993, at 1630 hours Pacific daylight time, the pilot of a Robinson R 22, N80686, was practicing autorotations near Snohomish, Washington, and collided with the terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The helicopter was substantially damaged and the certificated private pilot was not injured.

During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that during the practice autorotation maneuver, he flared the helicopter too late and the tail rotor contacted the ground. The pilot tried to level the helicopter, however, it began to spin and he was unable to maintain control. The helicopter landed in the open field and rolled over.