What happened
On September 14, 2013, a Robinson R-22 Beta II helicopter, registration EC-LAY, was conducting a local promotional flight near Vilanant, Girona, Spain. The flight, operated by Intercopters, S.L., was a "flight baptism" experience, which allowed a passenger to interact with the flight controls under the pilot's supervision.
After departing from a field near Vilanant, the pilot began a flight pattern intended to gain altitude and eventually transition to a tailwind leg. During a left turn, the passenger suddenly applied a sharp left cyclic input and pulled the collective lever. This maneuver caused a severe left bank, bringing the aircraft to a near-inverted position. The pilot was unable to counteract the passenger' and the aircraft lost altitude rapidly, striking power lines. The impact caused the helicopter to crash, resulting in a fire. Both occupants sustained injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the passenger, experiencing a moment of panic or loss of control, induced the extreme attitude change. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was flying with the passenger-side door removed, which is permitted under specific operational conditions but contributed to the sense of exposure. The pilot had not disconnected the controls, which allowed the passenger's input to affect the aircraft's flight path.
Safety Recommendations
Following the accident, the investigation recommended that the Spanish aviation authority increase oversight of flight schools and operators to ensure that promotional flight activities are conducted within the bounds of approved operational manuals and that passenger interference risks are properly mitigated.