What happened
On 16 February 2008, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration G-CCVY, was engaged in a private flight departing from Prestwick. The flight plan included an intended landing on a flat area atop a steep-sided hill situated at approximately 1,200 ft amsl, a location the pilot had successfully used for a landing three days prior.
During the approach from the south-west, the pilot maintained a low airspeed and a gentle descent rate. As the aircraft passed the landing site at roughly 50 ft agly, the pilot performed a left pedal turn of about 150 degrees. At an altitude of approximately 20 ft, the pilot attempted to raise the collective pitch control lever to cushion the landing. However, the aircraft continued its descent, causing the left skid to strike the ground with enough force to break the skid cross-tube mounts and cause the helicopter to roll onto its left side. The main rotors struck the ground, resulting in severe damage to the airframe and main rotor system. The pilot escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances leading to the impact and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The pilot noted that during the final stages of the approach, the carburettor heat had been set to the OFF position. Following the accident, the pilot could not definitively identify the cause of the descent, though he considered the possibility of a downdraft or a loss of engine power, or a combination of both.
Findings
- The aircraft was operating in favorable weather conditions with visibility exceeding 10 km and no significant cloud.
- The pilot performed a pedal turn at a low altitude of approximately 50 ft agl.
- Despite the pilot raising the collective control lever fully, the aircraft failed to arrest its descent.
- The lack of response to collective control inputs was the primary factor in the continued descent and subsequent impact.