What happened
On 1 January 2021, a Robinson R6 and6 helicopter, registration 9M-SAW, was conducting a demonstration flight near Port Klang. The flight, operated by a local flying club, was intended to showcase the aircraft's handling characteristics to a prospective buyer. The pilot-in-command, a qualified instructor, was demonstrating the controls to the passenger during the mission.
After an initial successful approach to a leveled gravel lot at Pulau Indah, the crew attempted a second landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft transitioned from a high hover to a low hover at approximately 3 to 5 feet. As the pilot attempted to touch down, he applied excessive left and aft cyclic inputs. This caused a sudden loud noise from the rear of the aircraft, followed by the helicopter bouncing to the left and toppling onto its side. The impact was severe enough that the rotor blades severed the tail boom, which was displaced roughly 30 meters from the main wreckage.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the sequence of maneuvers during the final landing attempt and the physical interaction between the aircraft and the gravel surface. Investigators examined the wreckage, the site conditions, and the pilot's admission regarding control inputs. The investigation also reviewed the operational nature of the flight, which was a non-commercial demonstration for a club member.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was dynamic rollover.
- The pilot overcontrolled the cyclic stick to the left and aft during the low hover.
- This input caused the helicopter to pivot around a skid on the gravel surface, reaching a critical angle that made recovery impossible.
- The accident resulted in one serious injury and one minor injury to the occupants.
- The pilot-in-command sustained a broken collarbone and multiple fractured ribs.
Safety action
- The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) is to ensure that all helicopter operators are reminded of the inherent dangers of dynamic rollover, particularly when performing landings on uneven or substandard surfaces.