Incident Summary
On 17 March 1999 at 1544 UTC, a Hughes 269C helicopter, registration G-BOVY, sustained substantial damage during a training flight at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. The helicopter rolled onto its side after the right skid dug into the ground while practicing hover taxiing sideways.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The helicopter was a Hughes 269C manufactured in 1980, powered by one Lycoming HIO-360-D1A piston engine. The commander held a Private Pilot's Licence with Instrument Rating (Helicopters) and was 40 years old. He had accumulated 1,725 total flying hours, with 1,300 hours on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 110 hours, including 50 hours in the last 28 days. The flight was classified as private training, with two crew members on board and no passengers.
Circumstances
During the training exercise, a student pilot was being instructed in hover taxiing sideways by an experienced instructor. The weather was fine, with light and variable surface winds. The student allowed the helicopter to descend too low, and the instructor advised him to increase height. However, before the student could respond, the right skid made contact with the ground, causing the helicopter to roll onto its side.
Outcome
Neither occupant was injured as a result of the accident. The aircraft, however, suffered substantial damage. No probable cause was stated in the investigation report.