What happened
On 5 April 1999, a Hughes 269C, registration G-BBIV, was conducting a private training flight at Biggin Hill Airport, Kent. The instructor intended to demonstrate the procedures for an engine-off landing by simulating an engine failure during the climb phase following takeoff.
After departing into a surface wind of 240°/09 kt, the instructor reached an airspeed of 55 kt. At an altitude of approximately 250 feet above ground level, the instructor closed the throttle to initiate an autorotation. As the helicopter began its descent, the instructor observed that the ground speed was lower than expected. In an attempt to increase airspeed and maintain sufficient control for the flare, the instructor moved the cyclic control forward.
Although a flare was attempted at roughly 50 feet above ground level, the control inputs provided minimal effect. The instructor subsequently raised the collective lever to cushion the touchdown; however, this maneuver failed to prevent a heavy impact with the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, though both crew members remained uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the flight parameters during the simulated failure, specifically the transition from the climb to the autorotative descent and the subsequent control inputs used to manage the approach to the ground.