Accident Overview
On 31 May 2015, at approximately 12:20 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter collided with a residential house in Mitterfeld, municipality of Kasten, Lower Austria. The helicopter was operating under visual flight rules (VFR) on a flight from Kilb to the Ötscher region, carrying a pilot and one passenger.
Flight Timeline
The flight departed Kilb at around 12:00 UTC and proceeded via Obergrafendorf and Wilhelmsburg to Kasten. While in the Kasten area at an altitude of approximately 150–200 m above ground, the helicopter performed two to three full circles. According to the pilot and passenger, the rotation could not be stopped despite full opposite pedal input. The pilot decided to execute an emergency landing. During the descent, the rotation decreased or briefly stopped, according to some witnesses. However, when flaring near the ground, the helicopter began to rotate again or more strongly, and the pilot was unable to avoid colliding with the roof of the house. After the initial impact, neither occupant recalled further events.
Aircraft and Occupants
The helicopter was a Robinson R22 Beta II of Austrian nationality (registration not specified in the report). The pilot held a valid license; no further details on qualifications or experience are provided. The passenger's identity is not disclosed. Post-accident examination did not reveal any pre-existing technical anomalies (based on the technical investigation referenced in the report).
Investigation
The investigation was carried out by the Austrian Safety Investigation Board. The analysis considered the flight conditions, pilot actions, and the phenomenon of loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). The probable cause is not stated in the available excerpt of the report.
Damage
The helicopter sustained damage from the collision with the house and subsequent impact with the entrance canopy. No other damage is reported. Personal injuries are not specified in the available source.