19981123031489A

1966 Brantly B-2B helicopter was on an FAA check ride and the pilot was demonstrating a hovering turn (.19) on November 23, 1998, at 1245 central daylight time, a brantly-B2B, N2291U, piloted by an airline transport pilot, received substantial damage on impact with terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The CFR part 91 recreational certificate check-ride was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and federal aviation administration (FAA) examiner reported no injuries. The flight originated at Salem-lecrone airport near Salem, Illinois at 1215. The pilot and FAA examiner reported that they were executing an auto rotation from a hover. In a written statement, the FAA examiner stated that he had briefed that he would be near the controls during the maneuver. The aircraft was brought to a hover of approximately 2 1/2'-3' AGL. The pilot reduced throttle and the aircraft began to settle. The FAA examiner reported that it wasn't until near ground contact that a left drift was noted. The aircraft made ground contact with the left skid causing a roll over condition with no chance of correcting the situation. The pilot stated that they had touched down level with a slight left side drift. The pilot was beginning to pull the collective after touchdown when the helicopter rotated about the left skid. An inspection of the helicopter by the federal aviation administration revealed no mechanical anomalies. (-23) on November 23, 1998, at approximately 1845 UTC, a recreational helicopter pilot applicant and an FAA inspector were conducting a certification practial test in a brantly B2B helicopter at the Salem, IL airport. The applicant was performing a hovering auto-rotation, as required by the practical test. During the conduct of the maneuver, the helicopter contacted the ground with the left skid and rolled onto its side causing substantial damage to the helicopter. There were no injuries to any persons.