Accident Details
On 16 January 2012, at approximately 1305 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration G-FIRS, was destroyed in an accident at Lake Vyrnwy, Powys, Wales. The helicopter, powered by a single Lycoming O-360-J2A piston engine, was being operated on a private flight with one pilot and one passenger. Both occupants sustained minor injuries consisting of cuts and bruises.
History of the Flight
The pilot planned to fly from Kemble Airfield to a designated helicopter landing site adjacent to Lake Vyrnwy. He had not flown for more than three months and was required to complete three solo circuits at Kemble before departing with his passenger. However, after a delay related to removal of dual controls, the pilot departed directly without performing the required circuits.
The transit to Vrynwy was uneventful. A weather report from Welshpool Airfield indicated calm wind and a QNH of 1024 hPa. The landing site, located on a small grass field within hotel grounds at an elevation of about 1,000 ft amsl, was marked as a helipad and was located without difficulty.
Approach and Loss of Control
The pilot flew past the site at about 1,000 ft above it on a left downwind leg, observing a windsock indicating a south-easterly wind. He turned left onto final approach, establishing a normal approach path, and set carburettor heat to off. As the helicopter approached the landing site, it began to yaw to the right. The pilot was unable to stop the yaw, and the helicopter completed several full rotations. The pilot believed he may have raised the collective lever further during the rotation and recalled hearing the low rotor rpm warning horn. Still rotating, the helicopter dropped and landed heavily on sloping ground. The right landing skid collapsed, but the helicopter remained upright, allowing the occupants to escape.
Post-Impact
The helicopter sustained severe damage, and although the engine continued running for several minutes, a fire subsequently broke out and consumed a large part of the structure. Both occupants were taken by air ambulance to hospital.
Discussion
The loss of control occurred at low speed close to the landing site. The cause of the initial right yaw is not certain; it may have been aggravated by main rotor vortices blowing onto the tail rotor as the aircraft turned slightly right, or the pilot may have been slow to apply left yaw pedal as power was increased. The AAIB noted that it is likely the pilot’s low overall experience level and lack of recency contributed to the loss of control.
Operator's Comments
The pilot had booked the aircraft on a self-hire basis. Due to his lack of currency, he would have been reminded to complete three takeoffs and landings before carrying a passenger. The operator stated that normally, pilots intending self-fly hire would have their flight preparations overseen by an instructor, but on this occasion, other duties prevented oversight. The operator subsequently reviewed its procedures to ensure compliance with flying order book requirements.