Aircraft Information
The accident aircraft was a Robinson R22 BETA, registration G-BYOP, manufactured in 1991. It was powered by one Lycoming O-320-B2C piston engine.
Accident Summary
On 26 February 2000 at 1205 hours UTC, after refueling at Sywell Aerodrome, Northampton, the helicopter lifted into a hover and began to taxi rearwards away from the fuel pump area. During this maneuver, the helicopter lost height, causing its skids to strike the ground. This resulted in the nose pitching up and the tail rotor contacting the ground. The helicopter then spun around several times before coming to rest on its right side.
The pilot, who was wearing a lap and diagonal upper torso restraint, escaped through a hole in the canopy and was uninjured. The helicopter sustained damage beyond economic repair.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 32 years old at the time of the accident. He had accumulated 1,700 total flying hours, of which 1,200 were on the Robinson R22 type. In the preceding 90 days he had flown 67 hours, with 23 hours in the last 28 days.
Pilot Report
In his report, the pilot stated that he was distracted by people on the ground near the helicopter, which led to a lapse of concentration.
Probable Cause
The pilot reported distraction from people on the ground leading to a lapse of concentration.