What happened
On September 16, 2007, at approximately 14:00 local time, a Robinson R202 Beta helicopter, registration OH-HMH, was performing a local flight near the center of Pelkosenniemi, Finland. The flight was being conducted under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) with light winds from the southeast.
As the pilot approached the landing area from the north, the aircraft began a right-hand turn of approximately 270 degrees to align with a field. During the final phase of this approach, the pilot executed an excessively tight landing pattern, causing the helicopter to bank steeply to the right while descending at a relatively high speed. The aircraft began to sideslip to the right, and the pilot was unable to stabilize the aircraft or reduce speed sufficiently before ground contact.
During the landing, the helicopter drifted through a thicket at the edge of the landing zone. The rear of the left skid struck the edge of a ditch, which subsequently caused the tip of the right skid to strike the uneven ground of the field. This impact triggered a dynamic rollover, causing the helicopter to pivot over its front right corner and land on its side.
The investigation
The Finnish Safety Investigation Authority (OTKES) examined the aircraft, the pilot's training records, and witness statements. Technical inspections of the Robinson R22 Beta were conducted on the engine, rotor components, and transmission systems. Investigators also reviewed the pilot's flight logs, which indicated a significant gap in training, as the pilot's flight instruction had been interrupted for over three years prior to receiving their private pilot license.
Technical analysis confirmed that the engine, fuel system, and rotor components were in good working order. No mechanical failures or technical defects were identified as contributing to the accident. The investigation also ruled out the aircraft entering a vortex ring state during the descent.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a pilot error in judgment, specifically the execution of an overly tight landing pattern that pushed the aircraft to its performance limits.
- The pilot's limited flying experience prevented them from effectively managing the developing situation or recovering the aircraft from the steep bank.
- The pilot had the opportunity to abort the approach and perform a wider, safer landing pattern but failed to do so.
- The pilot's training history showed a three-year hiatus in flight instruction, which may have impacted their proficiency.
- The aircraft was operating within its weight and balance limits, and all required certifications and licenses were valid.