N1964J

On January 20, 2002, about 1300 eastern standard time, a Robinson R-22, N1964J, was substantially damage during a practice hovering autorotation at the Manassas Airport, Manassas, Virginia. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight examination conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the student pilot held a private pilot certificate with a single engine land rating. The accident flight was conducted by the CFI, who was a FAA Designated Examiner, as a check ride for an add-on private pilot rotorcraft rating.

According to the CFI, while the student pilot was demonstrating an autorotation from a hover on taxiway echo, he pilot pushed the collective forward instead of back and made a hard landing. The check ride continued without further incident; however, subsequent inspection of the helicopter revealed a bent airframe support tube. It was noted that the area of the bend had been previously spot welded.

Neither pilot reported any mechanical problems with the helicopter. The student pilot reported 41 hours of total rotorcraft flight experience, all in make and model.