What happened
On June 11, 2011, an Agusta-Bell 47 G2 helicopter, registration F-GJEI, departed from Angoulême-Champniers for a flight to the Gond-Pontouvre microlight (ULM) airfield, located approximately 5 km southwest of the departure point. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, intended to perform simulated approaches at the site.
The flight sequence involved an initial approach from the west with no intention of landing. Following the planned interruption of this approach, the pilot turned to perform a second approach from the east. This second maneuver was conducted at a low altitude and involved a tailwind. During the descent, the pilot realized the wind strength had been underestimated and attempted to abort the approach prematurely. Due to the insufficient altitude remaining, the pilot could not reduce the vertical descent rate in time, resulting in a heavy impact with the ground. The aircraft bounced twice and slid approximately 50 meters before coming to rest on its left side.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aircraft's flight path and the mechanical state of the wreckage. Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical malfunctions that could account for the accident. Analysis of the crash site and the debris indicated that the helicopter struck the ground with a high rate of descent and significant horizontal velocity. The impact was severe enough that the main rotor blades severed the tail boom into two pieces.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's experience and the operational environment. The pilot was experienced in performing aborted approaches at this specific microlight platform but had not performed a standard integration for this particular flight. The pilot maintained a significant nose-up attitude until the moment of impact, which contributed to the rotor blades striking the tail boom.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's late decision to abort the approach.
- The pilot underestimated the effects of the tailwind during the second approach.
- The low altitude at the time of the decision prevented the pilot from sufficiently reducing the vertical descent rate to avoid ground contact.