What happened
On 13 August 2002, a Robinson R2-2 Beta, registration G-BOEX, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Cranfield Airport, Bedford. The student pilot was performing a hover taxi, moving the aircraft from the maintenance area toward the flying school's main dispersal. After completing standard pre-flight checks and starting the engine, the pilot raised the collective to lift off from the ground.
Upon leaving the surface, the helicopter began an uncontrolled rotation to the right. The pilot attempted to counteract this yaw by applying left rudder, but the input had no effect. After centering the pedals, the aircraft continued to rotate for approximately six full turns. During this period, a metallic sound originated from the rear of the aircraft. The helicopter then lost altitude and struck the ground, subsequently rolling onto its right side. The pilot escaped the cabin through the left side without injury.
The investigation
Investigators determined that as the helicopter drifted downwind during its rotation, the tail rotor made contact with the main rotor blade of a different helicopter parked in the vicinity. The investigation also noted that the pilot typically utilized back cushions to assist with the physical effort required to apply full yaw pedal input; however, these cushions were not present in the cockpit during this flight.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair.
- The rotation was caused by the tail rotor striking the main rotor blade of a nearby parked aircraft.
- The pilot's ability to apply necessary rudder input was potentially hindered by the absence of the back cushions usually used to assist with pedal application.