Summary
On 1 September 2023, a Robinson R22 BETA helicopter, registration G-BXOA, was involved in a dynamic rollover accident while in a low hover at Welshpool Airport, Powys. The helicopter was operating an experience flight with a pilot and one passenger. The passenger reported minor injuries the following day; the helicopter was damaged beyond economical repair.
History of the Flight
The passenger, who had no prior helicopter flying experience, was participating in a full-day helicopter experience. The pilot, a qualified instructor, provided a safety brief and explained the control transfer procedure using standard phraseology. During the first flight, the passenger practiced cyclic control in the cruise and hover. The pilot noted occasional opposite cyclic inputs and instances where the passenger did not release the cyclic when instructed. After a break, the second flight included practice on yaw pedals and collective, followed by further hover practice.
Accident Sequence
During the second flight, the pilot established a stable hover at approximately 10 to 15 feet above ground and passed cyclic control to the passenger while retaining collective and yaw pedal control. According to the pilot, the helicopter began drifting backward, and the passenger applied a heavy forward cyclic input. The helicopter then drifted left; the pilot announced he was taking control and attempted to apply right cyclic. The pilot stated the passenger did not release his grip and instead applied left cyclic. The helicopter moved left while descending; the pilot's collective and cyclic inputs could not prevent the left skid from contacting the ground. The helicopter subsequently fell onto its left side due to dynamic rollover.
Damage and Injuries
The windscreen broke and detached upon ground contact. The passenger, seated in the right seat, was momentarily suspended by the multipoint harness before releasing himself. Both occupants vacated the helicopter through the windscreen aperture. No external injuries were evident at the scene, but the passenger visited a hospital the next day due to upper body pain. The helicopter was assessed as damaged beyond economical repair.
Investigation
The pilot attributed the accident to the passenger not releasing the controls when commanded and applying left cyclic counter to the required direction. The passenger stated he immediately released the cyclic upon instruction and that the helicopter accelerated forward, then swerved right, then left before impact. The AAIB investigation could not resolve the differences between the two accounts. The report highlighted the importance of clear communication and defined responsibilities during pre-flight briefs, as well as the pilot's ability to stop the flight at any time if deemed appropriate.