What happened
On January 26, 2002, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration I-ROBH, was involved in an accident at the Rutigliano aerodrome in Bari, Italy. Following a 40-minute sightseeing flight carrying a passenger, the pilot attempted a solo departure. During the taxi phase toward the designated takeoff position, the aircraft became unbalanced, causing the left skid to scrape against the soft, uneven ground.
As the left skid became embedded in the soft terrain, the helicopter tilted sharply. This movement caused the main rotor to strike the ground, which subsequently severed the tail boom. The impact forced the aircraft to come to rest on its right side. The pilot, who was the sole occupant during this phase of flight, escaped the accident uninjured.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation focused on the sequence of events during the taxi and takeoff phase, as well as the condition of the aircraft and the environment. Investigators examined the airworthiness of the I-ROBH, finding no technical defects or mechanical failures that contributed to the event. The investigation also assessed the pilot's experience and the surface conditions of the aerodrome.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's loss of control resulting from the skid making contact with the ground.
- The main contributing factor was limited pilot proficiency in managing ground effect during takeoff, noting that the pilot had obtained their license only three months prior to the accident and possessed limited flight experience.
- The soft and uneven nature of the terrain acted as a contributing environmental factor, as the ground was not sufficiently firm to prevent the skid from becoming anchored, which facilitated the rotor strike.