What happened
On 11 April 2013, a student pilot was conducting his first solo flight in a Robinson R22 Beta, registration G-EROM, at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. The flight was intended to consist of takeoff, landing, and hover practice within the southern hover square. The weather conditions were calm with no precipitation.
Prior to the solo departure, an instructor had confirmed the student understood the flight briefing. During the takeoff, the student raised the collective control lever while monitoring the Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) gauge, aiming for a target of 18 inches of boost as previously instructed. As the aircraft began to lift, it suddenly lurched to the right. The student continued to raise the collective lever, which caused the roll and a rightward yaw to intensify. The main rotor blades subsequently struck the ground, causing the helicopter to roll onto its right side, completing a rotation of approximately 180 degrees. The student was able to shut off the fuel and electrical systems and exit the aircraft through the left door without assistance. The pilot sustained minor injuries, but the aircraft suffered extensive damage.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators established that the flight had initially proceeded satisfactorily during the dual-instruction phase. The examination focused on the pilot's actions during the critical moments of liftoff and the mechanical state of the aircraft.