Accident Overview
On 13 August 2020 at 08:48 UTC, a Robinson R44 Raven I helicopter, registered as OK-HLS, was involved in an accident in a garden on the eastern edge of the city of Žamberk, Czech Republic. The helicopter was operated by a legal entity and was borrowed by the pilot for personal flights.
Flight History
The pilot, holder of a private pilot license for helicopters, initially departed from Hradec Králové Airport (LKHK). He flew to his company premises, where he landed on an asphalt surface and picked up an employee. After a flight of approximately 30 minutes, he landed on the grass of his own property in front of his house. Following a rest period of about 30 minutes, the pilot began a takeoff with the helicopter fully occupied.
Accident Sequence
During the takeoff, after lifting off and while in a hover at an altitude of about 2 to 3 meters above ground level, the helicopter began to rotate to the left. The pilot lost control, and after several rotations, the helicopter struck a tree located near the takeoff point. Upon contact with the tree, the helicopter tilted sharply and fell to the ground, coming to rest on its left side.
Occupants and Injuries
The pilot and passengers exited the helicopter unaided. According to the official report, no injuries occurred.
Aircraft and Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage from the impact with the tree and the subsequent ground contact. The wreckage was later transported to the operator's hangar for detailed examination.
Investigation
The Czech accident investigation authority (ÚZPLN) investigated the accident. The final report, issued in August 2021, provides factual information about the flight, including the pilot's qualifications, the helicopter's condition, and the operational environment.