What happened
On November 5, 2015, a private pilot was conducting a local VFR flight from the Andernos-les-Bains aerodrome. After performing a hover check in ground effect, the pilot initiated a rapid translation exercise at an altitude of approximately five meters. During the deceleration phase, as the pilot attempted to flare the Robinson R22 to transition back into a hover, the engine RPM increased abruptly. The pilot was unable to reduce the power, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft experienced a rightward yaw, making initial contact with the ground on the right skid before rolling onto its left side.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanics of the flight maneuver and the engine's performance. Investigators examined the engine's overspeed governor and found no functional anomalies. Physical examination of the wreckage showed significant damage to one main rotor blade, which had struck the tail boom, while the other blade showed minor damage. The tail rotor blades sustained minimal damage due to low inertia.
Analysis of the flight path indicated that the exercise was performed at a very low altitude, which inherently limits a pilot's reaction time and increases the required stopping distance. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot had not yet completed a specific R22 safety training course. The pilot reported feeling confused by the sudden power surge and noted that they failed to apply sufficient left pedal to counteract the resulting yaw.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control during the braking phase of a rapid translation exercise performed at an insufficient altitude.
- An involuntary movement of the power control lever during the flare likely caused the observed engine overspeed.
- The combination of a low flight altitude and a tailwind increased the pilot's workload to a point of saturation.
- The aircraft sustained heavy damage to the airframe and rotor system.