What happened
On 3 April 1998, a Robinson R22, registration G-OMSG, was involved in a ground incident at Woodford Airport, Stockport. The aircraft was being operated for private training purposes by a student pilot. Following a period of dual instruction, the student was briefed to perform solo flight maneuvers.
The helicopter was positioned on a grass area under favorable weather conditions, with a light wind from 190° at 8 knots. As the student initiated the takeoff, the aircraft lifted off the ground but immediately began a significant rotation to the left. After completing approximately 180 degrees of this turn, the aircraft made contact with the ground. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, but the impact caused a small surface crease to the tailboom.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the flight circumstances and the subsequent debriefing between the student and their instructor. The instructor, who had noted the student's strong progress, observed the unintended rotation immediately upon liftoff.
Findings
- The primary cause of the rotation was the application of excessive left pedal by the student pilot during the increase of collective pitch.
- The physical damage to the aircraft was a direct result of the helicopter touching down while still in the middle of the left-hand turn.