What happened
On October 31, 2017, at 16:05 LMT, a Robinson R-44 was conducting training flights at EPMO Modlin as part of an individual flight instructor (FI(H)) proficiency renewal program. During the flight, the instructor was demonstrating various autorotative landing profiles, varying approach speeds and flare altitudes.
During a subsequent landing attempt, the pilot initiated a flare that resulted in the tail rotor skid making contact with the runway surface. After the impact, the pilot leveled the aircraft and, after confirming full controllability, proceeded to the Salt Aviation helipad.
The investigation
The investigation was conducted by the operator's internal team. Following the event, an inspection was performed in accordance with procedure "A" of the maintenance manual (chapter 2.510) to assess damage from the tail skid strike. The inspection revealed only scrapes on the lower part of the tail skid, with no other damage detected. Consequently, the aircraft was cleared to return to service. The incident was officially recorded in the aircraft's technical logbook.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was performing the flare too late at a low altitude during the autorotative landing approach over the runway.