What happened
On 2 May 2012, an Agusta AW-109, registration M-EMLI, was performing a private flight to the West London Shooting School in Northolt, Middlesex. During the approach to the landing site, a passenger requested that the pilot land on a specific path to prevent damage to a patch of ground described as "boggy."
Based on a previous visit to the site, the pilot believed there was enough distance from a line of trees to the northwest to complete the maneuver safely. While maneuvering for the landing, the helicopter's rotor blades struck a small, leafless overhanging branch. The impact resulted in damage to the rotor tips.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board, and no injuries were reported following the incident.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the pilot's decision-making regarding the landing path and the visibility of obstacles. The investigation established that the pilot had been influenced by the passenger's request to avoid the boggy terrain. While the pilot was aware of the nearby trees, the specific overhanging branch was not identified during the approach.