N58332

On September 3, 2007, about 1015 Pacific daylight time, a Hughes 269C, N58332, touched down hard during a practice autorotation about 7 miles north of Ramona, California. The helicopter was operated by Civic Helicopters, Inc., Carlsbad, California, and it was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot held a certified flight instructor (CFI) certificate, and he was not injured. The student pilot held a private pilot certificate (airplanes), and he received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the instructional flight, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was performed under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and it originated from Carlsbad about 1000.

In pertinent part, the CFI reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he planned to practice autorotations with his student. The CFI observed that the engine lost power after the student initiated the autorotation about 800 feet above the designated dirt field. The CFI took the controls and the helicopter descended.

The CFI indicated that the helicopter touched down hard and bounced. The helicopter yawed left 90 degrees before coming to rest on its skids. The helicopter's tail boom was broken from the fuselage, and the main rotor blades were bent.

Following the helicopter's recovery the operator reported to the Safety Board investigator that its engine and control system were examined. The engine was run up. No evidence of any mechanical malfunction was observed. The engine and control system operated normally, according to the operator.