What happened
On 16 December 2000, a Robinson R22 BETA, registration G-GEGE, was preparing for a private flight from a private landing site near Gamston, Nottinghamshire. After completing standard pre-flight inspections and starting the engine, the pilot increased power to 18 inches of manifold pressure. During the initial lift, the pilot observed the left skid rising before the right. In an attempt to correct the imbalance, the pilot applied left and forward cyclic control. This resulted in the helicopter rolling left, with the left skid striking the ground heavily, causing the aircraft to overturn onto its left side.
Following the impact, the pilot experienced difficulty exiting the aircraft. While the passenger was able to unbuckle and exit, the pilot found himself unable to reach the inertial reel release buckle with either hand due to his position in the cockpit. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair, and while the passenger sustained one minor injury, the pilot suffered no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the ground conditions and the functionality of the aircraft's safety restraints. The pilot noted that the aircraft had been parked for one week in a very wet area, suggesting the skids may have sunk into or frozen to the soft ground. Additionally, a stone dislodged during the overturn was found 50 metres away, having broken a window.
Investigators also scrutinized the inertial reel harness system. While CAA regulations require that occupants be able to release their belts with either hand regardless of aircraft orientation, the pilot could not reach the buckle. Several factors were identified as contributing to this difficulty, including the pilot's physical orientation following the roll, the limited space between the two occupants, and the potential position of the collective lever, which may have obstructed movement.