What happened
On 16 June 2002, an Enstrom 280FX, registration G-MHCK, was conducting a training flight following a cross-country leg from Manchester (Barton) Aerodrome. Upon arrival at Wolverhampton Airport, the student pilot refuelled the aircraft.
During the subsequent departure, the pilot lifted off with the helicopter oriented towards the southeast. While attempting to stabilise the aircraft in a hover, the pilot encountered sudden and intense vibrations. This vibration made the helicopter difficult to control, resulting in a heavy landing on a grass area approximately 30 metres from the original lift-off position. The impact caused the underside of the tail boom to crease and rip.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. At the time of the incident, the pilot was a student with 78 hours of total flying experience, all of which had been completed on this specific aircraft type.
An initial engineering inspection of G-MHCK was conducted to identify the source of the instability. This preliminary examination found no immediate or obvious cause for the severe vibration reported by the pilot. Further engine tests are planned once the airframe repairs are completed.