Robinson R44 Destroyed in Hangar Collision at Straubing-Wallmühle

Casualties unknown • Flugplatz Straubing-Wallmühle, DE

A Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter caught fire and was destroyed after its main rotor struck a hangar door during a training flight in Germany.

What happened

On March 30, 2011, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter was conducting a training flight from Landshut to Straubing-Wallmühle. Upon arrival at the Straubing airfield, the flight instructor and the student pilot performed a hover flight near the aircraft hangars. While maneuvering between the buildings, the helicopter moved toward the west at a height of approximately 1.5 meters.

During this low-altitude hover, the aircraft experienced sudden movements toward the hangar doors. At approximately 17:40 local time, the main rotor struck a hangar door, causing parts of a rotor blade to break off and damaging the door. The impact caused the helicopter to settle on its skids and immediately catch fire. The crew, consisting of a flight instructor and a student pilot, managed to exit the aircraft independently, sustaining two minor injuries. The fire destroyed the helicopter and caused damage to a second aircraft parked inside the hangar.

The investigation

The BFU investigation focused on the flight path, the mechanical condition of the aircraft, and compliance with airfield operating procedures. Investigators examined the wreckage, noting that the main rotor blade had been severed at the root and the interior of the cabin had been consumed by fire. The investigation also reviewed the airfield's written operating regulations and the manufacturer's recent safety bulletins.

Findings

  • The pilot performed a hover flight between hangars, which was prohibited by the airfield's operating procedures.
  • The airfield regulations specifically forbid hovering between buildings; furthermore, safety standards require a minimum clearance of three rotor diameters from fixed obstacles, whereas the distance between the hangars at this location was only approximately 20 meters.
  • The aircraft had not yet been retrofitted with the safety fuel bladder tank recommended by the manufacturer in Service Bulletin SB-78 to reduce the risk of fire following an impact.
  • The collision with the hangar door was the direct cause of the rotor failure and the subsequent post-crash fire.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot performing a prohibited hover flight between hangars, which lacked sufficient clearance from obstacles, leading to a rotor strike and subsequent fire.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2011-03-30 Robinson Helicopter Company / accident near Flugplatz Straubing-Wallmühle, DE?

A Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter caught fire and was destroyed after its main rotor struck a hangar door during a training flight in Germany.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2011-03-30 involved a Robinson Helicopter Company /, at Flugplatz Straubing-Wallmühle, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot performing a prohibited hover flight between hangars, which lacked sufficient clearance from obstacles, leading to a rotor strike and subsequent fire.

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