Accident Details
On 3 June 2021, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration SP-CWW, was involved in an accident at EPUL. The helicopter was being used for a solo training flight by a student pilot pursuing a Private Pilot License (Helicopter). The student had completed seven previous solo flights, with this being the sixth solo flight of the day.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot started the engine under the supervision of an instructor. After receiving takeoff clearance via radio, the helicopter lifted off. At a height of approximately 50 centimeters above the ground, the helicopter began to rotate around its vertical axis. The instructor transmitted corrective actions via radio, but the student did not respond. Shortly thereafter, the helicopter fell to the ground, rolled onto its right side, and came to rest. The instructor opened the left door, and the student exited the helicopter unaided and without injury. The instructor then turned off the battery, cut off the fuel supply, and secured the accident site.
Cause
The State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation determined the cause to be a late reaction of the student pilot to the directional deviation of the helicopter during a hover. No contributing factors were identified.
Preventive Measures
The investigating entity proposed preventive measures, including training with aviation training organization personnel on typical errors when lifting the helicopter from the ground and how to correct them. No safety recommendations were formulated.