What happened
On April 23, 2013, a Robinson R44 was performing a non-commercial cross-country flight from the Diest/Webbekom heliport to an industrial site in Geel. The mission involved capturing aerial footage of the site. After landing at the industrial location, the pilot prepared for the return flight.
During the takeoff attempt, the helicopter experienced a violent clockwise rotation and rolled onto its right-hand skid. The impact with the asphalt caused the main rotor blades to strike the ground, resulting in the blades breaking into several pieces. One blade tip traveled approximately 90 meters, striking a hangar wall. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
AAIU(Be) investigators examined the wreckage and the operational conditions at the site. The investigation noted that the pilot had observed a 'governor-off' light during the preceding approach, a light which is powered by the governor switch and does not indicate the actual operational status of the governor itself.
Technical analysis of the wreckage revealed that the pitch links of both blades failed due to overload during the impact. No mechanical anomalies were identified in the aircraft prior to the accident. The investigation also considered the environmental context, noting the takeoff area was surrounded by industrial buildings and shipping containers.