What happened
On January 9, 2014, a Robinson R 44 Clipper, registration EC-IGH, was performing a private flight from the Teresa Vilá Heliport in Ullastrell, Barcelona, to Solivella, Tarragona, and back. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers.
Upon returning to the heliport, the pilot performed a hover transition from the south landing area to the north landing area. During the vertical landing at the north pad, the front of the skids made contact with the ground. At that moment, the pilot was distracted by a comment from a passenger regarding another passenger sleeping in the rear. While looking back, the pilot inadvertently pulled the cyclic toward the rear.
In an attempt to correct the resulting nose-high attitude, the pilot applied heavy collective and forward cyclic. This maneuver caused the tail to rise and the nose to pitch forward aggressively. The aircraft began moving toward a parked helicopter, and the sudden increase in power caused a rightward yaw that the pilot could not counteract with the pedals. To avoid colliding with the parked aircraft, the pilot applied a sharp right cyclic input, causing the aircraft to tilt heavily to the right. This instability led the main rotor blades to strike the ground, causing the helicopter to capsize onto its right side.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the pilot's credentials, the aircraft's maintenance history, and the flight conditions. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held valid licenses and medical certification. The Robinson R 44 Clipper was fully compliant with its maintenance program, and its airworthiness certificate was in force.
Technical analysis of the aircraft's weight and balance showed that the total weight of 2,297 lb was well within the maximum allowable limit for hovering in ground effect under the prevailing temperature and altitude. The investigation also verified that the fuel levels were sufficient for the intended flight and that meteorological conditions, including visibility and wind, were favorable for the operation.
Findings
- The pilot's distraction and failure to adhere to standard landing procedures led to the unintended cyclic input.
- The sudden application of collective increased power to a level that caused a significant rightward yaw, which the pilot could not correct.
- The aggressive corrective maneuvers resulted in the main rotor blades striking the ground, leading to the loss of lift and the subsequent capsize.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, including broken main rotor blades, structural damage to the forward section, and a distorted tail cone, though all four occupants escaped without injury.