What happened
On March 18, 2000, a Robinson R22B helicopter, registration F-GKCP, was performing a local flight at the Nangis aerodrome. While on final approach to point A, the pilot intended to transition toward a parking area at point B. During the approach, the passenger, who was also a private helicopter pilot, suggested altering the landing target to a location near the windsock (point C).
As the aircraft reached the flare phase, the helicopter began to sink, causing the right skid to make contact with the ground while the aircraft was still in forward translation within ground effect. At this moment, the pilot applied a sudden and violent collective input. This action caused the aircraft to climb vertically with a high pitch attitude before falling back down onto its right side. The aircraft ultimately collided with the door of a hangar located near the intended parking spot, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and causing injuries to the pilot and passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight maneuvers and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. On-site observations revealed a crosswind blowing from 340° at 18 to 20 knots, with visibility exceeding 10 km. The investigators analyzed the flight dynamics of the Robinson R22B, specifically focusing on the coordination required to maintain trajectory during the transition to a hover in ground effect. The investigation also considered the impact of the passenger's suggestion to change the landing location during the approach phase.