Accident Details
On 15 January 2007, at approximately 1420 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter (registration G-OSMS) was involved in an accident at Wolverhampton Airport during a solo training flight. The helicopter, manufactured in 1990, was powered by a single Lycoming O-320-B2C piston engine. The student pilot, aged 69, held a student pilot licence and had accumulated 56 total flying hours, all on the same type. His recent experience included 21 hours in the previous 90 days and 5 hours in the preceding 28 days.
Flight History
Prior to the accident, the student completed a short dual flight with an instructor and then refuelled the helicopter before starting a solo flight. He was briefed to fly in the local area and then return to the threshold of Runway 10, where he planned to conduct takeoffs and landings before hover taxiing to the parking area. The weather was good, with a surface wind varying in direction between 170° and 200° and speed between 8 and 15 knots.
After an uneventful departure and local flight, the student made an approach to the grass area beside Runway 16 and hover taxied to the threshold of Runway 10. There, he performed three takeoffs and landings, all on a heading of approximately 180°. In preparation for returning to the parking area, he lifted off again and initiated a clearing turn to the left. He estimated his height during the turn to be about 5 to 10 feet when he suddenly realised that the helicopter was left skid low. Almost immediately, the left skid struck the ground, and the helicopter rolled to the left onto the ground.
Aftermath
The engine stopped following the rollover. The pilot experienced difficulty releasing his harness due to his near-vertical orientation but eventually freed himself and crawled clear of the wreckage through the broken windscreen. He sustained minor injuries. The helicopter came to rest on its left side on a heading of approximately 260°. No other witnesses were present. The damage was described as substantial.
Injuries and Damage
The sole occupant, the student pilot, suffered minor injuries. The helicopter incurred substantial damage.
Additional Information
The aircraft was a Robinson R22 Beta, registration G-OSMS, with a single Lycoming O-320-B2C engine. The flight was conducted under training conditions.