What happened
On 12 February 2015, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration G-ECMC, was conducting a routine one-hour training flight at Goodwood Aerodrome, West Sussex. The instructor intended to demonstrate various emergency procedures to a student, including how to manage a tail rotor failure during hovering, taxiing, and forward flight.
During the hover phase, the instructor attempted to simulate a tail rotor failure by reducing pressure on the yaw pedals. This maneuver caused the aircraft to begin spinning to the right at a rate exceeding the instructor's expectations. In an attempt to arrest the rotation without reducing throttle, the instructor applied left pedal input. However, during this process, his right foot slipped off the pedal. In an effort to regain control, the instructor hooked his left foot under the pedal to pull it back, but this action inadvertently increased the rightward yaw. While attempting to reposition both feet on the pedals, the helicopter struck the ground and rolled onto its left side. Both occupants exited the aircraft through the right-hand door without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of control inputs and the physical mechanics of the instructor's attempt to recover from the unexpected rotation. The investigation established that the aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair.