What happened
On June 1, 2020, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, registration OY-HPD, was conducting a flight training session in the vicinity of Billund (EKBI), Denmark. The flight, which was part of a student pilot's training program, involved practicing autorotations in a designated training area northeast of the aerodrome.
After successfully completing an initial autorotation from approximately 1,300 feet, the instructor reduced power to idle at 500 feet to allow the student to practice an engine failure during a climb. The student established the autorotation, flying into the wind. However, the instructor observed that the vertical rate of descent was becoming too high at approximately 200 feet and took control of the aircraft to complete the landing.
During the landing sequence, the left skid made initial contact with the ground, followed by the right skid. Because the aircraft maintained forward momentum, the left skid dug into the earth, causing the helicopter to pitch forward. The rotor blades struck the ground, and the aircraft rolled forward twice before coming to rest on its left side. The impact caused significant structural damage, including bent main rotor blades, a broken tail boom, and a shattered cockpit canopy.
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board examined the aircraft, the flight crew's credentials, and the environmental conditions. The investigation confirmed that the instructor held a valid Commercial Pilot License and that the student was undergoing a CPL(H) training program.
Technical inspections of OY-HPD revealed no mechanical defects or maintenance issues prior to the accident. The investigation also reviewed the pilots' weight and balance calculations; while a clerical error was noted in the longitudinal moment calculation, the corrected figures confirmed the aircraft was within manufacturer limits. Meteorological data indicated favorable VFR conditions with high visibility and light winds.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was insufficient or late flare during the landing phase.
- This lack of adequate flare, combined with the aircraft's forward airspeed, caused the left skid to catch the ground.
- The forward momentum following the skid impact led to the subsequent rollover and rotor strike.
- There were no contributing factors related to mechanical failure, weather, or weight and balance.