Accident Overview
On 16 November 2006, at approximately 1020 hours UTC, a Robinson R22 BETA helicopter, registration G-JWFT, was involved in an accident at a private landing site in Carluke, South Lanarkshire. The aircraft, manufactured in 1989 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-B2C piston engine, was being operated on a private flight with only the pilot on board. The pilot, aged 54 and holding a Private Pilot’s Licence, had accumulated 198 flying hours, of which 90 were on type, with 12 hours in the last 90 days and 2 hours in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The pilot had completed a short local flight and was returning to land at the private site. Weather conditions were good, with a light westerly wind of 1 to 2 knots. The pilot executed a successful approach and hover taxied to land on a raised deck area. As he completed the landing, the tail rotor struck a wooden trestle at the edge of the deck. The impact damaged the tail rotor, causing the helicopter to spin several times above an area of sloping ground to the south-west.
The pilot attempted to avoid touching down on the slope but, as he manoeuvred the helicopter away, it struck a wooden post. He then landed the helicopter alongside the wooden deck area. The helicopter remained upright, and the pilot vacated through his side door without injury.
Damage
Damage was sustained to the tail rotor and the tail boom.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot considered that he should have given closer attention to the surrounding area prior to the landing.
Probable Cause
Not stated in the source.