What happened
On 13 July 2002, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration G-VFSI, was conducting a private flight near Wellesbourne Mountford. After completing several earlier legs of the day's itinerary, the pilot embarked on a local flight around Royal Leamington Spa and Warwick with a passenger. The aircraft was cruising at approximately 1,500 feet agl and 70 kt when it suddenly underwent a catastrophic in-flight breakup.
Witnesses on the ground reported hearing loud bangs, described as similar to a metal garage door being struck, followed by the aircraft pitching and rolling violently. Observers saw part of a main rotor blade detach before the helicopter descended uncontrollably. The aircraft struck a field near the Budbrook North Service Station. The impact resulted in two fatalities, involving both the pilot and the passenger.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and reconstructed the tail section, finding evidence of five distinct strikes by the main rotor blades against the tailcone. The examination of the rotor head revealed damage consistent with mast bumping, where the rotor hub strikes the mast due to excessive movement.
Analysis of the cockpit and passenger area noted that the aircraft was fitted with dual controls. The passenger, who was not a rated pilot, was using a camera to take photographs. Evidence from the camera, which continued to operate after the aircraft began its breakup, suggested the final intentional photograph was taken roughly 10 seconds before the structural failure. The investigation also ruled out external factors, such as wake turbulence from a nearby Boeing 737, as a cause for the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the main rotor blades striking the tailcone due to mast bumping.
- This phenomenon was likely triggered by an unintentional abrupt control input on the cyclic, the yaw pedals, or both.
- The presence of dual controls in a confined cockpit, combined with a passenger operating a camera, may have contributed to the possibility of an accidental control movement.
- The aircraft was operating within normal parameters regarding speed and weather prior to the event.