What happened
On 19 August 1998, a Robinson R22 BETA, registration G-OGOC, was engaged in a private pleasure flight at Halfpenny Green, Staffordshire. The flight was intended to last approximately one hour. Weather conditions at the time were favorable, characterized by good visibility and a light southwesterly wind.
After receiving takeoff clearance, the pilot performed a hover taxi to the departure area and transitioned into a hover to conduct engine instrument checks. During this phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a rapid yaw to the right accompanied by a descent. As the aircraft moved downward, the right skid made contact with the ground, triggering a roll-over. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. Both the pilot and the passenger escaped the aircraft without injury, exiting through the windscreen which had shattered during the event.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the sequence of events leading from the initial hover to the ground contact. The inquiry also considered the flight experience of the pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence and had 67 total flying hours, all of which were on this specific aircraft type.