I am disgusted by some of the comments that have been written here.
Firstly,
it's an accident . Big deal!! They can happen in any aircraft at anytime - take your pick. Who gives a toss if it is an R22 or AS350, AS355 or MI-26?? We should be thankful that no-one was killed or seriously injured.
Secondly, the instructor who was conducting the test is one of the nicest and most experienced pilots I know. He has been conducting CPL flight tests for many, many years. He has many hours logged on the AS350.
However, in this case they both checked the Flight Manual, but the CP still went ahead!
Diatryma - you were on board the aircraft at the time were you?
Big Mike
The AS355 has an accumulator on the tail rotor so that it will store some HYD pressure in the event of a loss which gives you time to bring the aircraft to a manageable configuration (ie. slow the aircraft down) before all pressure is lost and the controls lock up. I believe that the AS350B2 and B3 have a tail rotor accumulator fitted as standard.
To all you hidden back stabbers out there -
Pull your heads in!!!