Accident Details
On 12 November 2005 at 1620 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration G-IONE, was involved in an accident at a private landing site in East Kilbride, Scotland. The aircraft was preparing for a local flight and had received clearance from Glasgow Approach. The pilot lifted the helicopter into a hover but felt uncomfortable due to what he perceived as a crosswind component from the left. He decided to abort the takeoff and lower the helicopter back to the ground. During the descent, the pilot allowed the helicopter to develop a roll, resulting in it landing on the right skid. The roll continued, and the helicopter came to rest on its right side. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair.
Pilot and Aircraft
The aircraft was a Robinson R22 Beta (year of manufacture 2005) powered by one Lycoming O-360-J2A piston engine. The pilot, aged 43, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 96 hours of total flying experience, all on type, with 8 hours in the last 90 days and 8 hours in the last 28 days. There was one crew member and no passengers on board; the pilot was uninjured and evacuated the helicopter through the normal exit.
Environmental Factors
The landing site was tarmacadam. The surface wind was from 300° at 10 kt. Adjacent to the landing site and directly upwind at the time of the accident were large storage sheds. The pilot reported that these sheds may have generated an unexpected crosswind component, which could have contributed to the roll. However, the investigation did not state a probable cause.
Aftermath
The accident was reported by the pilot via an Aircraft Accident Report Form. No injuries occurred, and the helicopter was considered damaged beyond economic repair.