What happened
On 18 July 1999, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration G-OICV, was engaged in a private training flight at Blackpool Airport, Lancashire. The flight involved an instructor and a student pilot performing a hovering exercise planned for the eastern section of the airfield. During the approach, the instructor performed an air taxi toward the intended exercise area at approximately 40 KIAS.
As the aircraft turned into the wind, it began to lose altitude. In an attempt to stop the descent, the instructor increased the collective lever; however, the helicopter struck the ground with significant force while maintaining a forward ground speed of between 15 and 20 kt. Upon impact, the aircraft yawed to the left and subsequently overturned onto its right side. There were no injuries to the two occupants, and no fire occurred following the impact. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the sequence of the maneuver and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident, which included light rain and a 12-knot wind from 270 degrees. The examination focused on the pilot's actions during the transition from air taxi to the hovering maneuver and the subsequent loss of altitude.