Aircraft and Crew Information
The accident aircraft was a Sud-Aviation SE-313B Alouette II, registered HA-PPC, manufactured in 1960. It was powered by one Turbomeca Artouste II C6 turboshaft engine. The pilot, aged 36, held a Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopter) with a total flying experience of 708 hours, of which more than 164 hours were on type. The helicopter had flown 163:25 hours since the pilot's purchase in 2007.
Flight History
Earlier on the day of the accident, the pilot flew the helicopter from a private site 27 nm east of Breighton Aerodrome to a vintage aircraft fly-in event. Several short flights with passengers were conducted. During a previous landing, the helicopter pitched nose-down momentarily, bringing the tail boom close to the rotor disc, but landed safely. The helicopter was refuelled with 112 litres.
Accident Flight
At 1648 hrs, with five persons on board, the pilot started up, lifted to a hover, and departed. The front seat passenger, a qualified helicopter pilot and instructor on another type, was offered control during the climb. A formal handover occurred, and the passenger performed general handling at 1,000 to 2,000 ft amsl. The pilot resumed control and asked if the passenger would like to do a zoom climb and pushover; the passenger declined. The pilot then performed a zoom climb, pushed over, and entered a left circuit. On final approach at about 100 ft agl, he flew along the runway at 55 kt and carried out a quick stop. Witnesses reported a nose-up pitch attitude of 45° to 55° during the flare. As the helicopter leveled, an audible crack and loud bang were heard. The main rotor blades struck the tail boom and engine exhaust cowling; the tail rotor assembly separated. The helicopter rotated 180° to the right and dropped vertically to the ground.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained fatal injuries; the four passengers serious injuries. The helicopter was destroyed. The engine detached from its mounting and lay a few metres away.
Investigation
AAIB field investigation found no technical failure that could explain the accident. Recorded radar data, CCTV footage, photographs, and mobile phone images were examined. The wreckage was transported to AAIB HQ for detailed examination. The helicopter's flight controls and hydraulic servo system were inspected; no anomalies were identified. The pilot's logbook records were not fully available; his on-type experience was based on aircraft logbook data.