What happened
On 17 March 1999, a Hughes 269C, registration G-BOVY, was engaged in a private training flight at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. The flight was being conducted by an experienced instructor providing instruction to a student pilot. The objective of the maneuver was to practice sideways hover taxiing.
During the maneuver, weather conditions were favorable with fine visibility and a light, variable surface wind. As the student pilot was maneuvering the aircraft, the helicopter's altitude decreased excessively. Although the instructor issued a command to increase height, the aircraft's right skid made contact with the ground before the necessary corrective action could be taken. This contact caused the helicopter to roll onto its side.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form submitted by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the sequence of events leading to the contact with the ground and the subsequent roll. The crew consisted of two persons, and no passengers were on board. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft sustained substantial damage, though there were no injuries to the crew members.