Incident Summary
On 7 November 1999, at 1318 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration G-BYTE, was involved in an accident near Brecon, Powys. The flight was private, intended to photograph a protest march. The pilot, aged 65, held a Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopters) and had 371 total flying hours, with 360 on the type. His recent flying experience included 16 hours in the last 90 days and 3 hours in the last 28 days.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was unable to locate the marchers and decided to land to seek information. Wind conditions were calm and visibility good. He selected a green area adjacent to a track, hovered to assess suitability, and attempted to land. As the helicopter settled, it began moving rearwards and downwards. The pilot applied power to lift off, but the helicopter started spinning and the low rotor warning horn and light activated. Realizing control was lost, the pilot set the helicopter back down, during which it rolled over to the right.
Outcome
After the helicopter came to rest, the passenger was lying on his side above the pilot and could not reach his seatbelt release. Both occupants were unable to exit. Bystanders responded, cutting the passenger's seatbelt strap, after which both persons vacated through the left-hand door. The pilot sustained minor injuries; the passenger was uninjured. Damage was limited to the main rotor, windscreen, door, and gearbox bearer frame.
Probable Cause
The pilot assessed the cause as the selection of a landing site that was unsuitable due to the uneven nature of the ground.