Aircraft and Flight Details
The accident involved a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration G-NWDC, powered by a single Lycoming O-360-J2A piston engine. The helicopter was manufactured in 2005 and was being used for a training flight on 8 August 2010. The flight departed from Londonderry Eglinton Airfield in County Londonderry at approximately 1550 hours UTC.
Pilot Information
The sole occupant was a 51-year-old student pilot with a total flying experience of 82 hours, all on the same type. In the preceding 90 days, the pilot had logged 4 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.
Sequence of Events
After completing a satisfactory dual circuit, the instructor confirmed that the student pilot was willing to continue with a solo exercise and then left the helicopter. The student subsequently performed two takeoffs and landings on the spot, followed by a hover taxi to a practice area on the opposite side of the main runway. While executing a left pedal turn into wind, the left skid unexpectedly contacted the ground, causing the helicopter to become unstable. The student was unable to regain control, and the helicopter struck the ground, rolled onto its side, and sustained substantial damage to the landing gear, tail boom, and rotor blades. The student pilot received only minor injuries.
Identified Factors
During a debrief with the instructor, the student candidly noted that the initial ground contact may have resulted from hovering at too low a height and/or allowing the helicopter to sink slightly due to insufficient power being applied during the left pedal turn into wind.