What happened
On 15 January 2007, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration G-OSMS, was engaged in a solo training flight at Wolverhampton Airport. Following a brief dual flight with an instructor and a period of refueling, the student pilot commenced a solo session intended to include local area flying and subsequent takeoffs and landings at the threshold of Runway 10.
The flight began with the pilot taxiing the helicopter to the runway threshold, where three takeoffs and landings were performed on a heading of roughly 180 degrees. As the pilot prepared to return to the parking area, he lifted the aircraft once more to perform a left-hand clearing turn. While at an estimated altitude of 5 to 10 feet, the pilot noticed the left skid was low. The skid made contact with the ground, causing the helicopter to roll onto its left side. The engine ceased operation during the impact. The pilot, who was nearly inverted, experienced difficulty releasing his harness but eventually managed to exit the aircraft through the broken windscreen.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators established that the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The aircraft came to rest on its left side at a heading of approximately 260 degrees. There were no other witnesses to the event.
Findings
- The accident occurred during a training flight involving a student pilot.
- The primary cause was the left skid striking the ground during a low-altitude clearing turn.
- The pilot was at a height of approximately 5 to 10 feet when the imbalance was noticed.