History of the Flight
The Spitfire was conducting pleasure flights under Safety Standards Acknowledgement and Consent regulations. The pilot joined the circuit, reported downwind, and made a continuous left turn onto final approach for Runway 28, a grass runway. During the turn, he observed a helicopter hovering near the parking area to the south of the runway. He maintained visual contact until rolling wings level at about 100 ft above ground level on the final approach path. After touchdown, rolling along the runway centreline for approximately 200 m, the Spitfire pilot saw the helicopter pass left to right directly above his aircraft. He was unaware of any contact, but minor damage to one propeller blade was discovered after shutdown.
The Robinson R44 helicopter, with a pilot and passenger, planned a private flight to the Isle of Wight. The pilot received approval on the air/ground radio frequency, lifted into a hover from the apron south of Runway 28, and hover taxied north towards the helicopter holding point near the Runway 03 threshold. The pilot looked for traffic and transmitted "crossing active" as he continued towards the threshold. Meanwhile, the passenger had turned his attention to an iPad for route plotting. As they crossed the runway, both heard a noise and the passenger felt a slight bump. They saw the Spitfire to their left and returned to the apron for inspection, discovering damage to the empennage and tail rotor guard.
Witness Accounts
A witness operating a tractor near the runway heard radio calls from both aircraft and observed the helicopter hover taxiing north at an estimated 10 kt. He heard the helicopter pilot call "crossing active" at a lower volume and realized the helicopter would not stop, watching it cross the runway as the Spitfire completed its landing roll. He did not see contact. Another witness, a light aircraft pilot who had just landed, saw the Spitfire on final approach and the helicopter hover taxiing. He assumed the helicopter would hold short, but later saw the Spitfire pass behind the helicopter, indicating the helicopter was on the runway.
Aircraft Information
The Robinson R44 II (registration G-SAIG, serial no. 11364, year 2006) was powered by one Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 piston engine. The Spitfire IXT (registration G-CCCA, serial no. CBAF 9590, year 1944) was powered by one Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 piston engine. Both aircraft sustained minor damage: the helicopter's tail rotor guard, empennage, and stabilizer; and the Spitfire's propeller blade.
Airfield and Operational Context
Lashenden (Headcorn) Aerodrome operates an Air/Ground Communication Service; operators cannot issue instructions. Rotorcraft require clearance prior to rotor engagement. The Spitfire was operating under Safety Standards Acknowledgement and Consent regulations, which allow paid recreational flying with informed consent of participants.
Conclusion
The helicopter pilot did not see the Spitfire on approach, probably because he looked in the wrong direction. The passenger did not participate in the lookout. Safety action was taken by the aerodrome operator to require helicopters to stop and make an additional radio call before crossing the active runway.