What happened
On 25 September 2015, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration G-DEFY, was involved in an accident at Elstroll Aerodrome, Hertfordshire. The flight was a training mission, marking the first solo attempt for the student pilot involved. Following a successful dual flight session, the instructor briefed the student on the procedures for a solo takeoff, hover, and landing. After the instructor exited the aircraft and moved to a safe distance, the student pilot performed the necessary pre-takeoff checks and began a gentle ascent from the grass surface.
Before the aircraft could achieve a stable hover, it rolled toward the right and onto its side. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the helicopter. The student pilot sustained one minor injury and was able to exit the aircraft via the cabin door.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanics of the roll and the circumstances surrounding the takeoff. The pilot reported that the aircraft had been subject to a dynamic rollover. Investigators examined the flight sequence, noting that the event occurred while the aircraft was lifting from a grass surface and before it had stabilized in a hover.