N6746DBell 47G-2 · 1958

The student helicopter pilot reported that during landing, the helicopter had a hydraulic failure, to which he "overreacted, causing a loss of control and subsequent roll over." The helicopter caught fire, and the pilot egressed through the left door.

During a conversation with the student, he reported that he did not accomplish the helicopter manufactures Hydraulic Failure emergency procedure, because, he "didn't want to let go of the cyclic or the collective to turn off the hydraulic pressure switch."

The tail struck the ground and a subsequent hard landing ensued.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and tailboom.

According to FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors that interviewed the pilot directly following the accident, the pilot stated that, he overreacted by making multiple commands to the cyclic and a tail strike ensued, followed by hard landing and rollover. The hydraulic pump and the hydraulic lines were damaged during the post-accident fire.