What happened
On 26 October 2001, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration G-RVRS, was performing training maneuvers at Duxford Airfield, Cambridgeshire. The pilot, accompanied by a safety pilot, was conducting a series of simulated engine-off landings, known as autorotations. The first seven attempts were completed successfully.
During the eighth attempt, the aircraft's flare was initiated too early. This caused the helicopter to strike the ground in a tail-low position while maintaining a low rotor speed. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce, during which the main rotor blades struck the tail boom. The force of the impact caused the tail boom to separate from the fuselage. The aircraft subsequently yawed and bounced once more before coming to rest in an upright position. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of the flight maneuvers and the mechanical state of the aircraft following the impact. The investigation established that the aircraft's tail boom had been severed by the main rotor blades during the post-impact bounce. Meteorological data from the Met Office was also reviewed, showing that surface winds at the time were from 190° at 15 to 20 knots, with potential gusts reaching 30 knots.