History of the Flight
On 13 September 2018, at 13:40 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration G-MACA, was involved in an accident at Gregston House, Haighton, Lancashire. The pilot, a 56-year-old male holding a Private Pilot's Licence with 135 hours total flying experience (all on type), had flown the helicopter to a friend's house with the intention of landing in its grounds, a maneuver he had performed on several previous occasions. After landing, the pilot intended to shut down the helicopter, but the property owner, who had come onto the patio, gave a 'thumbs up' signal followed by a takeoff signal.
The pilot applied collective, and the helicopter rose into a ground effect hover, where he confirmed normal engine performance. The helicopter then ascended to approximately 9 ft, and the pilot initiated a left pedal turn in preparation for departure. According to the pilot, during the turn, the helicopter was struck by a large gust of wind from the right, causing a rapid roll to the left. The pilot was unable to correct the roll, despite control inputs, before the left landing skid struck the ground, followed by the main rotor blades. The helicopter came to rest on its side.
Injuries and Damage
Both occupants—the pilot and one passenger—sustained minor injuries and were assisted from the helicopter by the property owner. The main rotors and fuselage were severely damaged.
Pilot Information
The pilot was 56 years old and held a Private Pilot's Licence. His total flying experience was 135 hours, all on the Robinson R22 Beta. In the 90 days prior to the accident, he had flown 2 hours; in the last 28 days, 1 hour.
Aircraft Information
The Robinson R22 Beta, serial number 3836, was manufactured in 2005. It was powered by one Lycoming O-360-J2A piston engine. The flight was operated under a Private license.