Accident Overview
On March 30, 2024, at approximately 11:55 local time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration EC-LYD, experienced an accident at the heliport of the Port of Barcelona (LEPB). The aircraft had completed a sightseeing flight earlier that morning and landed at 10:40, shutting down the engine. The pilot restarted the engine at 11:55 to prepare for another flight. During the start-up checklist, when the pilot applied throttle, the helicopter rapidly rotated left, completing two turns, then pitched forward and impacted the runway without overturning. A nearby witness reported hearing the engine being revved, likely to maximum rpm. The pilot stopped the engine by cutting the mixture. The accident resulted in the separation of the tail cone and substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage. No passengers were on board, and the pilot was uninjured.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Robinson R44 II helicopter, serial number 10070, powered by a Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 engine. It was manufactured in 2003 and registered in Spain on October 30, 2013. Its airworthiness certificate was issued July 17, 2013, and the ARC was renewed on July 28, 2023, valid for one year. At that time, the helicopter had 3,196 flight hours. The last 100-hour/annual inspection was performed at 3,443 hours, with the release certificate issued on February 29, 2024. No defects related to the tail rotor were recorded. The main rotor rotates to the left, requiring left pedal input to compensate for torque during start-up. According to the start-up checklist, after engine start, rpm is increased to 50-60%, then after checks (clutch, rotor rotation, alternator, oil pressure, avionics, audio), rpm is raised to 60-70% for warm-up.
Pilot Information
The 48-year-old pilot held a CPL(H) license issued by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency on December 20, 2022, with ratings for R22/SP (valid until October 31, 2024) and R44/SP (valid until November 30, 2024). He also held a Class 1 medical certificate valid until December 5, 2024. His total flight experience was 221 hours, with 45 hours on type. He had been employed by the operator for one month, his first commercial pilot job. On the accident day, he had flown 47 minutes; the previous day he flew 3 hours. Both days were preceded by one week of rest.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was loss of control of the aircraft during engine start, resulting in substantial damage. Weather conditions were not a factor. No other damage occurred. The pilot was the sole occupant and was reported uninjured.