Accident Overview
On 25 June 2015 at 1402 UTC, a Robinson R44 II Raven II helicopter, registration G-CDXX, experienced an accident while parked on a concrete extension adjoining an apron near the helicopter operator's hangar at Leicester Airport. The pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 96 total flying hours (9 on type), was preparing for a local flight.
Sequence of Events
After completing pre-flight checks, the pilot gradually increased the rotor rpm to approximately 80%. At that point, observed on two CCTV cameras, the helicopter rapidly yawed to the left and rotated through about 290° before tipping onto its right side. The forward right door opened as the helicopter struck the ground, and the pilot was able to vacate the helicopter unaided. The pilot reported sustaining minor injuries.
Damage
The tail cone was bent, the main rotor blades were damaged, and the right skid was snapped.
Possible Mechanism
A rapid yaw to the left could be induced if too much left pedal is applied at the point of governor engagement due to the effectiveness of the tail rotor.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The helicopter was a 2005 Robinson R44 II Raven II (serial no. 10624) powered by one Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 piston engine. The pilot was 24 years old and had flown 6 hours in the last 28 days and 9 hours in the last 90 days.