History of the Flight
On Wednesday, 24 September 2003, at 13:20 local time, a Robinson R22 Mariner II helicopter (registration G-STRO) operated by Sloane Helicopter Limited was conducting a low-altitude photographic flight near Porto Petro, Balearic Islands. The helicopter was equipped with floats and had its left door removed for photography. The pilot and a photographer were on board. After photographing the stern of a sailing boat for approximately one minute, the helicopter began an acceleration maneuver for ascent. During this maneuver, one of the skis touched the water, causing the helicopter to fall onto the surface and tip over. The cabin became submerged. Both occupants escaped and swam to the boat they had been photographing, which rescued them and transferred them to Cala D'or marina.
Damage to the Aircraft
The aircraft sustained considerable damage. The main rotor blades struck and cut the tailboom and the power transmission shaft to the tail rotor. The main rotor head assembly and blades were bent. The float on the left ski was damaged. The aircraft tipped over with the cockpit and main rotor assembly in the water, floating due to one of the floats. The altimeter radio had a decision height of 10 ft selected, which would activate an acoustic and luminous alarm. Minor corrosion from seawater immersion began.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 39, held an Airline Transport Pilot License (Helicopter) (ATPL(H)) with a valid R22 type rating until 8 October 2003. He had 2,923.35 total flight hours, with 2,148.05 hours on type. The photographer had been working for the operator for three months.
Meteorological Information
Northeast winds at 10 kt, good visibility, and an ambient temperature of 26 °C were reported by the pilot.
Survival
The pilot helped the photographer release her safety belt. Once on the surface, they saw the boat and swam toward it. The boat’s crew rescued them. The flight plan did not indicate the presence of life jackets on board, though the pilot later stated both occupants were wearing them. Witnesses did not mention life jackets.
Additional Information
The digital camera used was a Nikon Coolpix 5700 with 8x optical zoom; no anti-vibration platform was used. The flight manual for the Mariner model notes that flying characteristics with floats are more critical, including an adverse rolling characteristic when yawing.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot stated he flew behind the boat at a distance of 150 m and a height of 2 m above water. He flew out of trim (with right pedal pressed) for about 30 seconds to provide a good angle. After the photographs, he applied left pedal to compensate, causing the helicopter to move right of the boat’s wake with a headwind. During initial acceleration, the nose lowered and the aircraft tipped forward, submerging. He helped the photographer escape.
Photographer's Statement
The photographer reported that the helicopter fell into the water when a wave struck a ski. After the impact and tipping, the pilot assisted her because she was wearing a safety belt.
Witness Statements
The boat's captain stated his vessel was traveling at approximately 20 kt. The helicopter maneuvered about 25 meters away for about five minutes, flying less than 1.5 meters above water for about one minute. During the exit procedure, a wave struck the right ski, causing the helicopter to fall and tip forward.