Robinson R22 Beta II Dynamic Rollover at Egelsbach

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 10 January 2012, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter was involved in an accident at the Verkehrslandeplatz Egelsbach (EDFE) in Germany. The aircraft was operating a training flight, specifically the first solo circuit of a student pilot. The flight instructor was stationed on the control tower, overseeing the operation. The student had already completed six circuits, including landings, before the incident occurred during the seventh and final planned landing. ## Accident Sequence and Damage While hovering over the designated helicopter landing area, the aircraft suddenly rolled to the left around its longitudinal axis. The main rotor struck the ground at approximately 14:30 local time. The helicopter came to rest on its left fuselage side. The student pilot was able to exit the wreckage without injury. The aircraft sustained heavy damage, including bent main rotor blades, a forward-tilted rotor mast, and a downward-bent tail boom. No fire occurred, and there was no third-party damage. ## Aircraft and Pilot Information The Robinson R22 Beta II, a two-seat helicopter with a skid landing gear and a two-blade main rotor, was manufactured in 2008 with serial number 4261. It was powered by a Lycoming O-360-J2A piston engine. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had approximately 2,594 total operating hours. The 42-year-old student pilot held a Class 2 medical certificate and had approximately 35 hours of flight experience on the Robinson R22 type. ## Investigation Findings and Context The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) concluded the investigation summarily under § 18 FlUUG, focusing solely on the facts. No technical malfunction was found. The report highlights the phenomenon of 'Dynamic Rollover,' a condition where a helicopter can roll over if a skid acts as a pivot point and a rolling moment exists. The manufacturer's Safety Notice SN-9 and various aviation safety organizations have warned of this hazard and suggested procedures to avoid it.