What happened
On January 31, 2019, a Guimlam Cabri G2, registration F-HRCR, was performing a cross-country flight from Aix-Les-Milles to a temporary helipad located on a golf course in Pierrevert. The flight, operated by Aix Hélicoptères, carried a pilot and one passenger.
As the helicopter approached the landing site, the pilot performed a wide right turn to align for a northwest-facing landing. During the final approach, at an altitude of approximately 30 meters, the aircraft suddenly experienced a sudden leftward yaw. The helicopter entered a rotation, losing altitude and eventually striking the ground approximately 150 meters upwind from the intended touchdown area. The impact caused the aircraft to roll over, resulting in the destruction of the helicopter and two injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the flight controls, including the main rotor, Fenestron, and governor, finding no mechanical failures that contributed to the accident. Data from the aircraft's Multi-Purpose Display (MPD) and a recovered flight application confirmed the flight path but revealed no technical malfunctions.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting he had approximately 15 hours on the type and was more accustomed to helicopters with anti-clockwise rotating main rotors. Meteorological data indicated a light wind from the east/northeast, which, combined with the aircraft's configuration, created conditions highly susceptible to yaw instability. Additionally, the investigation noted that the helipad lacked a windsock, and the pilot had not performed a formal reconnaissance of the landing area prior to the final approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of yaw control resulting from the pilot's failure to sufficiently account for wind conditions and a lack of adequate right pedal input to counter a leftward departure.
- The pilot's flight path, which placed the aircraft out-of-ground effect, made recovery from the yaw much more difficult.
- An instinctive or inappropriate reaction to the yaw, such as pulling on the collective lever, may have exacerbated the rotation.
- The pilot's lack of familiarity with the specific handling characteristics of the Fenestron-equipped Cabri G2 contributed to the inability to stabilize the aircraft.