Flight Sequence
The Robinson R44 II, registered G-CESO, had departed from a helipad near Lorris (45) and landed on runway 11 at Amboise aerodrome shortly before 16:45 UTC. The pilot and two passengers then taxied to the fuel station. After a hover in front of the pump lasting about ten seconds, the helicopter descended and the rear of the skids touched the ground first. The helicopter then bounced forward and backward, pitching nose-down. The main rotor blades struck the ground about one meter from the fuel station. The cabin, now strongly pitched forward, hit the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its right side and immediately burst into flames.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and both passengers died: the pilot succumbed to burns shortly after evacuating and moving a few meters away; the front-left passenger, also a pilot, died in hospital the next day from severe burns; the rear passenger was found deceased in the wreckage after the fire was extinguished. The helicopter was destroyed by impact and fire, with the fuselage burned up to the tail boom attachment. The fuel station superstructures were also burned and destroyed.
Pilot Information
The 56-year-old pilot held a private helicopter pilot license (PPL(H)) issued in April 2006 and a Robinson R44 type rating valid until October 2009. He had logged 318 total flight hours, including 112 hours on type. The front-seat passenger, aged 63, also held a PPL(H) with type ratings on Bell 47 and Bell 206, and had 311 total hours.
Aircraft and Weather
The helicopter was manufactured in July 2007 and purchased by the pilot in September 2007, accumulating 116 flight hours. Maintenance was performed in the UK; no prior mechanical issues were noted. Weather conditions at the time were estimated: wind from the north at 2 knots maximum, visibility greater than 10 km, 2/8 cirrus cloud cover, temperature 15°C, and QNH 1018 hPa. The sun was hazy in front of the helicopter.
Wreckage and Fire
Examination of the wreckage revealed no pre-impact malfunctions; the engine was running and rotor speed appeared normal at impact. The fire started rapidly, fed by the helicopter's fuel and then by the fuel in the distribution hose, preventing bystanders from using fire extinguishers effectively. Safety systems isolating the underground fuel tanks functioned, avoiding a general conflagration.
Probable Cause
The accident was due to a loss of control of the helicopter during a hover.