Synopsis
On Tuesday 23 April 2013 at 14:00 UTC, a Robinson R44 helicopter (Raven I model) operated by a private pilot under a Private Pilot License experienced an accident during takeoff from an industrial site in Geel, Belgium. The helicopter had been rented from Paramount Helicopters and was being used to take aerial footage of the pilot's employer's transport site. The flight originated from the heliport of Diest/Webbekom (EBDW) with the pilot and one cameraman on board.
Flight History
During the approach to the industrial site, the pilot reported that the 'governor-off' light illuminated. The helicopter landed uneventfully on an open asphalt area normally used for stacking shipping containers. After the cameraman disembarked, the pilot prepared for the return flight to EBDW. The helicopter was facing northwest, with a calm wind of approximately 7 knots from the southwest. At lift-off, the helicopter violently rotated clockwise and rolled over onto its right skid, coming to rest on its right side. The main rotor blades struck the asphalt and stopped abruptly. The pilot was uninjured and exited through the opposite door. The pilot later stated that the 'governor-off' light reappeared when he raised the collective lever.
Aircraft Information
The Robinson R44 (year of manufacture 2010) had a maximum takeoff mass of 1089 kg and was equipped with a Lycoming O-540-F1B5 engine. It had accumulated 1429.4 flight hours. The Certificate of Airworthiness was issued on 24 June 2010, and the Airworthiness Review Certificate was valid until 24 June 2013.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 51, held a Private Pilot License (PPL(H)) issued on 19 July 2007, with a Class 2 medical certificate valid until 13 February 2014. Ratings for R22 and R44 were valid until 30 November 2011. Total flight experience was 140 hours, including 10 hours as pilot-in-command and 5 hours dual on the R44, with the remainder on the R22.
Wreckage and Impact
The main rotor blades sustained extensive damage; both pitch links failed due to overload, and the blades broke into pieces ejected up to 90 meters away, striking a hangar wall. The helicopter's fuselage and tail boom were deformed, and the main rotor mast assembly was displaced forward. The aircraft was considered beyond economical repair. Fuel leakage from bladder tanks was treated with absorbent granules. No pre-accident mechanical anomalies were found during the on-scene wreckage review.
Survival Aspects
The pilot wore a three-point upper restraint.
Probable Cause
According to the Air Accident Investigation Unit (Belgium), the accident was highly probable the result of a dynamic roll-over caused by a distracted pilot not applying enough left rudder and not reacting by immediately lowering the collective control.