Robinson R22 hard landing near Linz-Hörsching

Casualties unknown • nahe Oberneukirchen, Oberösterreich, AT

A Robinson R22 helicopter experienced unexpected yawing motions during a return flight, leading to a hard landing on a field near Linz.

What happened

On May 2, 2008, a Robinson R22 departed from Linz-Hörsching Airport operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). During the return leg of the flight, while passing over a property located at Lobenstein 33, the helicopter began experiencing unexpected yawing motions.

In response to these instabilities, the pilot initiated an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently made a hard landing on a nearby meadow. The pilot sustained no injuries, but the aircraft suffered substantial damage.

The investigation

Subsequent analysis of the flight profile focused on the maneuvers performed immediately prior to the impact. The investigation examined the sequence of control inputs and the aerodynamic behavior of the rotor system during the final approach to the landing site.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a loss of control in flight (LOC-I) resulting from an improper flare maneuver, which led to a loss of lift and a subsequent hard landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2008-05-02 Robinson R22 Beta accident near nahe Oberneukirchen, Oberösterreich, AT?

A Robinson R22 helicopter experienced unexpected yawing motions during a return flight, leading to a hard landing on a field near Linz.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2008-05-02 involved a Robinson R22 Beta, at nahe Oberneukirchen, Oberösterreich, AT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a loss of control in flight (LOC-I) resulting from an improper flare maneuver, which led to a loss of lift and a subsequent hard landing.

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