Sequence of Events
The helicopter departed from a private parking area in Dokimi Agriniou at 12:25 h, bound for Aegina. The route was Agrinio – Nafpaktos – Korinthos (DAPORI) – Aegina. From the island of Metopi, the helicopter began its descent. Approaching the landing site at Perdika with a heading of 600°, the pilot turned south during the final landing phase to align with the storage area and initiated landing. As the skids touched the ground, the helicopter encountered a "gust of wind and rotors from all directions." It then rotated, tilted, and tumbled down the slope, coming to rest six meters below the intended landing level, with the left side on the ground and a southwest orientation. The pilot shut off fuel and electrical supplies, and all occupants evacuated without injury.
Aircraft and Operator
The helicopter was a Robinson R44 II, manufacturer's serial number 12730, registered in the USA as N471CF. The operator was a private owner. The aircraft had a total of 108 hours since new, with its first 100-hour inspection performed on 09 July 2010. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA, with a total flight experience of 2000 hours, of which 600 hours were on the R44. His medical certificate was valid until 13 April 2011.
Weather Conditions
METAR reports from the nearest airports at the time of the accident were:
- LGMG 161000Z 01013G30KT 290V090 9999 FEW030 33/18 Q1012
- LGEL 160950Z 01012G24KT 9999 FEW030 32/17 Q1011
- LGEL 161020Z 35015G28KT 9999 FEW030 32/17 Q1011
These indicated wind from directions varying between 290° and 090° (or 010° to 350°), with speeds of 13 knots gusting to 30 knots.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was: "Inadequate assessment by the pilot of the large change in direction and intensity of the prevailing wind (01013G30KT 290V090) as well as the phenomena observed in the lee in combination with the position of the landing site, resulting in him attempting to land and losing control of the helicopter when it received, during the contact stage with the ground, downdraft and turbulence."
Damage
The helicopter was totally destroyed. No other damage occurred.