Incident
On 25 July 2016 at 1020 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter (registration G-CDMG) was conducting a training flight at Manston Airport, Kent. The aircraft was engaged in a proficiency check for a qualified pilot.
Sequence of Events
The instructor initiated an autorotation by closing the throttle and later opened it at about 50 ft to prepare for power recovery. However, the qualified pilot did not attempt to flare the helicopter, even after verbal prompts from the instructor. When the instructor tried to flare, the pilot had become rigid on the controls, preventing the instructor from overriding. The helicopter subsequently hit the ground in a nose-down attitude and came to rest on its left side.
Aircraft and Crew
The helicopter was a 1991 Robinson R22 Beta (serial 1874) with a single Lycoming O-320-B2C piston engine. The commander (instructor) held a Commercial Pilot's Licence, was 47 years old, and had 8,513 total flying hours, including 4,305 on type. His recent flying experience included 94 hours in the last 90 days and 44 hours in the last 28 days.
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots, who were wearing lap and diagonal harnesses, sustained minor injuries and exited the helicopter through the right-hand door. The aircraft was declared a total hull loss.