What happened
On 26 November 2002, a Gazelle HT.MK3, registration G-BZDW, was performing a private solo flight near Hadleigh, Essex. The pilot had recently finished a 40-minute instructional session at Stapleford airfield and had refuelled the aircraft before heading toward a private landing site.
During the approach, the pilot communicated with Southend ATC, receiving meteorological updates indicating CAVOK conditions with a light wind from 220 degrees at 5 knots. While descending, the pilot noted that the cyclic control could not be moved fully rearward once the aircraft reached approximately 50 feet above ground level. Suspecting a hydraulic failure, the pilot disconnected the stability augmentation system (SAS). Although lateral and forward movements remained functional, the lack of aft cyclic movement prompted the pilot to attempt a run-on landing.
As the helicopter touched down on a water-logged surface, the skids dug into the ground. This caused the aircraft to tip onto its right side, resulting in the helicopter being destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the cockpit environment following the accident. Investigators looked into the pilot's suspicion of hydraulic failure and the functionality of the stability augmentation system. Additionally, the physical layout of the cockpit was reviewed to identify potential mechanical interference with the flight controls.