What happened
On 12 June 2007, a private flight involving an Enstrom F-28A-UK, registration G-BBPN, resulted in an accident at Ormonde Fields Golf Course near Codnor, Derbyshire. The pilot, who had recently completed a licence renewal after a six-year hiatus from flying, was attempting to land at a private site.
Approaching the landing area from the south-west, the pilot encountered a confined landing zone and felt uncomfortable with the approach path. This prompted a decision to execute a go-around. During the manoeuvre, the aircraft crossed a main road and headed toward rising ground. While the helicopter cleared streetlamps on the road, the pilot reported a sensation of power loss while attempting to climb. The aircraft subsequently struck trees on the golf course, fell to the ground, and rolled onto its right side. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to exit the aircraft unassisted.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the circumstances of the flight. The helicopter was found to have sustained substantial damage to the cockpit and tailboom, with the main rotor blades severed near the root. The upward bending observed on the blades was characteristic of overpitching at low rotor RPM.
Technical checks confirmed that the pitch control links were functional and the collective lever operated within its specified range. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that while the helicopter was fitted with larger 20 USG fuel tanks (increasing the maximum fuel weight to 240 lb), the fuel gauge was an older type designed for smaller 15 USG tanks. However, the aircraft was not overloaded during this flight.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in tailwind conditions and ambient temperatures that likely reduced the climb gradient.
- The pilot's attempt to climb during the go-around may have resulted in overpitching the main rotor, which would reduce rotor RPM and degrade performance.
- This reduction in performance likely created the perception of a loss of engine power.
- The pilot had not been in regular flying practice for several months prior to the accident.