Aircraft and Flight Information
The Enstrom F-28A-UK, registration G-BBXO, was a single-engine helicopter manufactured in 1973. It was powered by a Lycoming HIO-360-C1A piston engine. On 22 June 2002 at 1232 UTC, the aircraft was conducting a training flight at Chichester (Goodwood) Airfield, West Sussex. The flight was a solo circuit consolidation exercise with only the student pilot on board. The pilot, aged 50, held a student pilot license and had accumulated 14 flying hours, all on the Enstrom type, with 7 hours in the last 28 days.
Flight History
The pilot had completed 1.4 hours of circuit consolidation training, flying from the threshold of Runway 32. Weather conditions were good, with a surface wind of 240 degrees at 18 knots. After finishing the circuits, the pilot hover taxied back to the parking area. The initial path was parallel to Runway 32, then followed the south side of Runway 06, placing the helicopter downwind. Before landing, the pilot performed a spot turn to the right to orient the helicopter into wind.
Accident Sequence
During the spot turn, the pilot allowed the rotor RPM to decay. Despite fully opening the throttle, the aircraft lost lift and sank from a height of approximately 5 to 6 feet. The tail rotor struck the ground, causing the aircraft to pitch forward and land heavily on the right skid landing gear. The right skid collapsed, resulting in the main rotor blades contacting the ground.
Post-Accident Actions
After the motion ceased, the pilot carried out the emergency shutdown drills and vacated the aircraft through the normal left side door exit. The Airfield Rescue and Fire Fighting Service arrived within two minutes.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the right side of the fuselage, main rotor blades, and tail rotor.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot concluded that during the spot turn, he had allowed the rotor RPM to decay and over-pitched the helicopter's main rotor blades in an effort to remain airborne.