Aircraft and Pilot Information
The accident involved a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration G-EKKO, manufactured in 2000. It was powered by a single Lycoming O-540-F1B5 piston engine. The pilot, a student, held a student pilot licence and had accumulated 20 hours of flying experience, all on the Robinson R44.
Background
On 2 September 2001 at 1200 hours UTC, the helicopter was engaged in a training flight at Wellesbourne Mountford Airport, Warwickshire. The student pilot had just completed two lessons practising takeoffs, circuits, and landings. The weather was fine with a surface wind of 225° at 6 to 8 knots.
Accident Narrative
The instructor decided to send the student pilot for a solo exercise consisting of a lift into the hover, a hover taxi of approximately 20 yards, and a landing. After the instructor cleared the area, the student lifted the helicopter into a very low hover but allowed it to move rearwards. The tail of the helicopter struck the ground, causing a loss of control. In response, the student instinctively lowered the collective pitch control. However, by that time the helicopter had risen to between 3 and 4 feet above the ground. Consequently, the helicopter descended rapidly and landed heavily, rolling onto its left side.
Damage and Injuries
The accident resulted in severe damage to the tail and main rotor system of the helicopter. The student pilot, who was wearing a lap and diagonal seat belt, was able to extricate himself from the cabin without injury.