History of the Flight
On 11 April 2013, a student pilot was conducting his first solo flight at Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey, in a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration G-EROM. The flight was intended to include takeoffs, landings, and hover practice in the southern hover square. The surface wind was calm with no precipitation. Initially, the student performed the exercises with an instructor present, and the maneuvers were completed satisfactorily. The instructor then exited the helicopter and positioned himself approximately 10 metres in front of the aircraft to observe.
The Accident
The instructor gave the student a signal to lift into the hover. The student slowly raised the collective control lever while monitoring the Manifold Air Pressure (MAP) gauge, aiming to achieve 18 inches of boost, which he had been told was the approximate power indication for lift-off. As the helicopter appeared to lift off, it suddenly lurched to the right. The student instinctively continued to raise the collective lever. The roll to the right increased, accompanied by the nose yawing to the right. The student was unable to correct the attitude before the main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter rolled onto its right side, rotating through approximately 180°. The student isolated the fuel and electrical systems and exited through the left door unassisted.
Pilot's Account
The student pilot attributed the accident to a failure to identify the developing dynamic rollover. He noted that he had been taught to lower the collective lever at the onset of this condition, but he had focused his attention on the MAP gauge and did not monitor the helicopter's attitude, thus failing to recognize the developing situation.
Damage and Injuries
The helicopter sustained extensive damage. The pilot, a 36-year-old student with 24 hours total flying experience (all on type), sustained minor injuries.