Summary
On 30 October 2006, a Robinson R22 Beta, G-OLIZ, was involved in an accident during a private flight near Falhouse Lane, Whitley, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. The pilot, the only person on board, sustained minor injuries. The helicopter sustained extensive damage.
Flight History
The pilot planned a local flight from his private helicopter site. The weather was good with an air temperature of 14°C. Using a windsock on a hangar, the pilot assessed the surface wind as north to north-westerly at less than 10 kt. After a normal engine start and a 10-minute warm-up, the pilot checked the carburettor heat function and applied partial carburettor heat before hover taxiing backwards to maximise takeoff run. To avoid neighbouring properties, the pilot chose a north-easterly departure direction and used almost maximum rated power to clear a line of trees approximately 25 ft high. As the helicopter cleared the tree tops with an airspeed of about 25 kt, the pilot heard the engine “splutter”. He immediately pulled on the collective control, switched off the rpm governor, and pulled the carburettor heat control to maximum. The low rpm horn sounded and the helicopter yawed to the right. Assuming an engine failure, the pilot lowered the collective and, at an estimated height of 30 to 40 ft agl, prepared for a forced landing into some trees to cushion the impact. The helicopter struck a large tree, turned through about 180°, and landed on its right side. The pilot exited through the passenger door, smelled fuel, and reached back to close the fuel shut-off valve and turn off the master switch.
Post-Accident Assessment
No pre-impact engine malfunction was identified. On reflection, the pilot considered that the initial engine problem probably resulted from carburettor icing. His action of increasing collective input would have caused a reduction in rotor rpm. The combination of low airspeed and low height meant that G-OLIZ was in the avoid area of the height/velocity diagram, with little possibility of a successful forced landing.
Outcome
Since the accident, the pilot cut off the tops of the trees surrounding his helicopter site and increased the height of his windsock to provide a more accurate indication of the surface wind.