Incident Overview
On 2 February 2000 at 1450 UTC, a Robinson R22 BETA helicopter, registration G-BRXV, was conducting continuation training for a Private Pilot's Licence holder at Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent. The flight was the first of the day, and the instructor had briefed the student on performing powered recoveries from autorotation with a fly-away back into the circuit. The weather was good with surface wind 290°/15 kt, visibility over 10 km, and broken cloud at 4,000 ft.
Autorotation Practice
The student successfully completed a powered recovery without instructor assistance. Two further autorotations resulted in full engine-off landings; both were of a high standard, with the instructor following through on the controls without making inputs. The third engine-off landing was initiated from a well-controlled autorotation, with normal flare and collective input to arrest descent. However, the touchdown was slightly heavier than intended, causing a small bounce. The helicopter then rocked forward, digging the front of the skids into the soft ground. A loud bang from the rear indicated that the main rotor blades had struck and severed the tail boom.
Post-Incident Actions
The instructor immediately took control, performed emergency shutdown drills, and informed air traffic control of the situation. Both occupants exited the aircraft through normal doors. Airfield fire services attended promptly but were not required. Neither the instructor nor the student sustained injuries.
Pilot Experience
The commander (student) held a Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopters) and was aged 48, with 2,303 total flying hours, including 2,286 hours on type. The last 90 days included 52 hours, and the last 28 days, 20 hours.
Instructor's Assessment
The instructor considered that the heavier landing might have been caused by a sudden drop in wind speed, leading to an increased rate of descent and possible aft movement of the cyclic to prevent the helicopter from nosing over. This sequence likely caused the main rotor blades to strike and sever the tail boom.