Accident
On August 5, 2005, at approximately 16:22 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter was conducting a practice autorotation at the Spitzerberg airfield in the municipality of Hundsheim, Lower Austria. According to witness statements and investigation by the Austrian aircraft accident investigation authority, the rotor RPM during the touchdown maneuver was too low. As a result, the sink rate could not be sufficiently reduced to cushion the landing impact.
The initial touchdown caused the entire skid assembly and its attachments to undergo elastic and plastic deformation, and the helicopter rebounded several meters into the air. The second touchdown immediately afterward was substantially harder. Because the helicopter lacked energy-absorbing deformable structure, the occupants sustained severe back injuries.
A technical inspection revealed no evidence of pre-existing defects.
Aircraft
- Type: Robinson R22 Beta
- Engine: Piston engine
- Operator: Rental company
- Nationality: Austrian
Injuries
Both occupants—one crew member and one passenger—were severely injured.
Damage
The helicopter was destroyed.