What happened
On May 5, 2001, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration G-YKEN, was participating in a multi-aircraft formation flight from England toward Gigny-sur-Saône, France. The flight involved three R22 helicopters flying in a chevron formation, accompanied by an R44 that had departed earlier. After a refueling stop in Albert, the group proceeded under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
As the formation approached the Côte d’Or region, weather conditions deteriorated significantly. To maintain VFR conditions, the pilots descended to lower altitudes, eventually transitioning from a chevron formation to a column formation. The G-YKEN was positioned at the rear of this column. As the group flew through hilly, wooded terrain, visibility dropped sharply. The pilot of the G-YKEN reported losing all external visual references and flying into clouds. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck a tree and crashed in a forested area at an altitude of 549 meters. Both occupants of the aircraft were killed.
The investigation
The investigation examined the wreckage, meteorological data, and testimonies from the other pilots in the formation. Analysis of the wreckage showed that the impact was violent, with the initial contact occurring at the front of the aircraft against a tree. The engine and instruments showed no signs of mechanical failure.
Investigators also reviewed radar tracks, which indicated that in the final minutes of flight, the aircraft's speed decreased from 91 knots to 54 knots, with heading changes consistent with attempts to avoid clouds or terrain. Meteorological reports confirmed that a low-pressure system was bringing heavy cloud cover, rain, and mist to the region, with visibility in some areas dropping to as low as 20 meters.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the decision to continue flying at low altitude in mountainous terrain under weather conditions that no longer permitted VFR flight.
- The pilots were flying in an improvised formation without specific training, which likely led to a reliance on the lead aircraft rather than independent situational awareness.
- The group flight may have created a 'group effect,' where the pilots collectively decided to fly in marginal conditions that they likely would not have attempted individually.
- The pilot of the G-YKEN lost visual contact with the terrain and the other aircraft, making it impossible to maintain safe altitude and navigation.
- The pilot had not updated meteorological information following stops in France, leaving him unaware of the specific localized risks.