History
A student pilot flying a Robinson R22 Beta (registration G-SBUT) was conducting his first solo circuit at Shoreham Airfield on 17 October 2008. The flight was part of a training session. The instructor had briefed the student to apply additional forward and left cyclic during takeoff to compensate for the absence of a left-seat occupant. During the first attempted takeoff, the aircraft yawed left; the student corrected with right yaw pedal and landed. The instructor returned to the aircraft and reminded the student to apply forward and left cyclic. After the instructor moved away, the student resumed the exercise.
The Incident
During the second takeoff, the aircraft yawed more violently to the left while still in contact with the ground. The student applied right cyclic and right yaw pedal inputs. He then felt a jolt and responded with aft cyclic, which caused the nose to pitch up. Attempting to regain control, the student applied forward and left cyclic and raised the collective to gain height. However, the rear tip of the right skid remained in contact with the ground, and the aircraft rolled over onto its right side.
The main rotor was damaged, and a fuel leak occurred. The pilot, whose right arm was trapped in the cockpit, was assisted by the instructor in vacating the aircraft. He sustained a broken wrist. The airport fire and rescue service attended, but no fire ensued.
Instructor's Comments
The instructor noted that the student may have overcompensated for the lack of a left-seat occupant by applying excessive forward and left cyclic. It is likely that the rear tip of the right skid became a pivot point, leading to a dynamic rollover. The instructor observed that a dynamic rollover condition cannot be corrected by opposite cyclic alone but may be arrested by lowering the collective. The instructor plans to reinforce teaching on dynamic rollover avoidance and recovery techniques.