19990105009779A

(.19)On January 5, 1999, about 1604 pacific standard time, a Robinson R-22, N605HA, registered to and operated by Hillsboro aviation, was substantially damaged after a hard landing at the Hillsboro airport, Hillsboro, Oregon. The aircraft was being operated as a 14 CFR part 91 training flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local training flight. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was uninjured. The flight orgininated from the Hillsboro airport approximately 35 minutes prior to the accident. There was no fire, and no report of an ELT actuating. According to the FAA inspector, the student pilot was maneuvering the helicopter when he struck the ground with the tail rotor, resulting in substantial damage. (-23) the pilot of the aircraft was interviewed following the accident, and stated tha after executing several takeoffs and landings to/from a hover, upon touchdown, he lowered the collective. The pilot stated that the landing was 'not the best that he had ever made'. After approximately five seconds, the nose of the aircraft began to pitch up. He checked position of th e collective to ensure that it was down. The aircraft then became airborne, and landed hard. The pilot then shut down the aircraft, turned off the fuel, reported to tower and to company base of the accident. Aircraft and pilot logbooks were inspected and appeared to comply with applicable regulations.