What happened
On August 20, 2003, a Robinson R-22 Beta helicopter, registration EC-GML, was conducting a mountain flight training mission near Pico de Peñalara, Segovia. The flight, involving an instructor and a student pilot, was intended to practice terrain-based maneuvers, including approaches and landings.
During an approach to a landing platform near the summit, the aircraft was operating with a light tailwind. As the student pilot performed the maneuver, a wind gust reduced the aircraft's translational airspeed, causing the helicopter to begin descending. In an attempt to arrest the descent, the student pilot increased the collective pitch. Because the engine was already near maximum power, it could not meet the increased demand, leading to a loss of main rotor RPM.
The instructor took control, lowering the collective and applying full throttle to recover the RPM. To utilize the downward slope of the terrain to gain airspeed, the instructor turned the aircraft downhill. Despite these efforts, the rotor RPM remained below 85%, and the aircraft eventually impacted the terrain. During the impact, the main rotor blades struck the tail cone, severing it into three pieces.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's performance capabilities, and the environmental conditions. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's weight, which was approximately 1,302.85 lbs, and compared it against the manufacturer's performance charts for the altitude of approximately 7,973 feet. It was determined that while the aircraft was below the maximum hover ceiling with ground effect, it was above the maximum hover ceiling without ground effect.
Technical analysis of the wreckage confirmed that the tail cone was severed by the main rotor blades and that the impact had a significant vertical component. The investigation also reviewed the maintenance records, finding the aircraft's inspections were up to date.