What happened
On June 8, 2005, a Robinson R2/2 Beta helicopter, registration PH-JGT, was conducting recreational flights near Medemblik. The pilot had previously departed from Lelystad Airport to perform several short-duration flights at a designated landing site west of Medemblik. After completing eight successful takeoff and landing cycles, the pilot attempted to transition from a hover to forward flight at an estimated altitude of one meter.
During this transition, the aircraft began to descend, causing one of the skids to strike the ground. This impact caused the helicopter to tilt forward, leading the main rotor blades to strike the terrain. The momentum caused the aircraft to roll over before coming to rest in a nearby ditch. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained light injuries, consisting of minor abrasions and bruising, while the aircraft was heavily damaged.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight conditions, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the pilot's maneuvers. Weather conditions were reported as good, and the pilot performed the takeoff into the wind. Both the pilot and the passenger, who possessed experience with this specific aircraft type, reported no mechanical or technical failures prior to the incident. The investigation focused on the physical dynamics of the takeoff maneuver and the coordination of controls during the transition from a hover.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a pilot error during the transition from hover to forward flight.
- To initiate forward flight, the pilot must tilt the nose forward, which naturally creates a tendency to descend; this must be compensated for by increasing power.
- Increasing power induces a torque effect, causing the fuselage to rotate in the direction opposite to the main rotor's rotation. This requires precise tail rotor compensation to maintain heading.
- The investigation determined that the controls were not sufficiently coordinated, and the aircraft's longitudinal axis was not parallel to the direction of travel when the skid struck the ground.
- The uneven nature of the grassland takeoff site increased the risk of the skid catching the terrain and triggering the rollover.