What happened
On 15 August 2016, a Robinson R6CO (registration N166MG) was performing a private flight when it encountered difficulties during an approach to a landing area in Stowe, Buckinghamshire. The pilot intended to land at a private site previously visited, where weather conditions were reported as CAVOK with light winds.
As the helicopter approached the landing area from the south-south-west, the pilot positioned the aircraft on a relatively flat section of ground situated above a slope. During the landing sequence, the rear portion of the helicopter's skids was positioned over the edge of the slope. As the aircraft settled, it experienced an unexpected nose-up pitch. In an attempt to maintain control, the pilot simultaneously increased collective pitch and applied forward cyclic input. This maneuver caused the aircraft to lift and roll to the left. To prevent a collision with nearby trees, the pilot reduced the collective, leading to a firm touchdown.
The investigation
The investigation, prompted by the pilot's accident report, examined the sequence of the landing and the pilot's control inputs. The examination established that the aircraft sustained damage to the front of the skids and minor distortion to various fuselage panels. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
Findings
- The pilot misjudged the position of the slope relative to the aircraft's skids.
- The pilot may have over-reacted to the initial nose-up pitch of the helicopter during the settling phase.