Background
On October 27, 2007, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registered JA102D, operated by Osaka Aviation Inc., was conducting a series of experience flights from Yao Airport. The accident occurred during the fourth flight, which departed at approximately 14:50 JST. The captain occupied the left seat and a passenger the right seat.
Flight History
According to radar records from Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport, the aircraft was first detected at 14:53:01, flying west at 640 ft altitude and 70 kt ground speed. Over the next 11 minutes, the ground speed varied between 30 and 90 kt, altitude between 650 and 1,050 ft, and the course changed irregularly. The aircraft disappeared from radar at 15:04:21 at an altitude reading that exceeded the aircraft's performance capability.
Witness Observations
Multiple witnesses near the crash site reported seeing the helicopter flying at unusually low altitude. They observed the main rotor blades appearing stationary, the helicopter pitching nose-up and then nose-down, and spinning before impacting the ground. A strong northeasterly wind was noted by several witnesses. The crash occurred on the railway tracks of the Nankai Koya Line between Asakayama and Abikomae stations. After impact, a fire ensued, which was extinguished by bystanders with fire extinguishers. The time of the crash was estimated at 15:05 JST based on a witness's phone call.
Damage and Casualties
The aircraft was destroyed. Both the captain and passenger died in the accident.