History of the Flight
The student pilot, who had not flown for 28 days, was briefed by an instructor to carry out solo general handling exercises. After a normal start, the pilot hover taxied the helicopter approximately 600 m to a position south of Runway 27. The helicopter was held in a low hover while awaiting clearance to cross both Runway 27 and Runway 22, which was the active runway. Upon receiving clearance, the hover taxi recommenced on a northerly heading with a surface wind from 190° at 8 kt. After crossing Runway 27, the pilot reduced groundspeed to near zero and initiated a left turn to cross Runway 22 on a perpendicular track.
During the turn, the helicopter began to oscillate in roll and pitched nose down, causing the right-hand skid to contact the ground. The helicopter rolled onto its right side, breaking the rotor blades and shattering the perspex canopy. The pilot, wearing a lap and diagonal seatbelt, vacated the wreckage with minor cuts and bruises.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was damaged beyond economic repair.
Discussion
Witnesses estimated the hover height just prior to the accident at approximately 5 ft, while the pilot estimated 15 ft. The instructor noted that the normal hover taxi height is between 5 and 10 ft. The accident occurred while the student was downwind at a lower height than he likely realized, and when control difficulties arose, he probably overestimated the available altitude. The flying school required students to have flown within the previous 30 days to fly solo; although the pilot met this requirement, his limited experience likely made the judgment exercises demanding after a 28-day gap.
Follow-up Action
In response to the accident, the flying school amended its Flying Order Book to require that a student who has not flown for 10 days must have a dual flight, of duration as required, prior to any solo flight.