What happened
On 11 April 2001, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration EI-CFX, was conducting a private training flight at Weston Aerodrome in Co. Kildare. The flight was intended for refresher training in autorotations, involving a pilot under instruction and an instructor. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by calm winds.
During the training session, the crew initially attempted several rapid decelerations. After an initial approach was extended due to the lack of wind, a second approach was completed successfully. However, during a third approach toward the intersection of Runway 18-36 and 12-30, the crew observed another helicopter occupying their intended landing area with its rotors still turning. To avoid the stationary aircraft, the instructor directed the pupil to perform S-turns to identify an alternative landing spot.
As the aircraft reached the end of the approach, the pupil performed an excessive flare. This maneuver caused the helicopter to lose all airspeed and descend vertically. Although the instructor attempted to intervene to recover the aircraft, the impact with the ground caused the helicopter to bounce, leading to significant pitch movements. During this sequence, a loud noise occurred, and the instructor subsequently shut down the engine and applied the rotor brake.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft following the impact. Upon examination of the Robinson R22 Beta, investigators determined that the main rotor blade had struck the tail boom. This impact was severe enough to sever the tail boom from the rest of the airframe. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.