What happened
On 2 September 2001, a Robinson R44, registration G-EKKO, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Wellesbourne Mountford Airport in Warwickshire. The flight was being conducted by a student pilot who had recently completed two instructional lessons involving takeoffs and landings.
Following the conclusion of these lessons, the instructor authorized a solo exercise consisting of a lift into a hover, a short hover taxi of approximately 20 yards, and a subsequent landing. The weather conditions were favorable, with fine visibility and a light wind from 225 degrees at 6 to 8 knots.
During the maneuver, the student pilot lifted the aircraft into a very low hover but permitted the helicopter to drift rearwards. This movement caused the tail of the aircraft to strike the ground, resulting in a loss of control. In an attempt to recover, the pilot lowered the collective pitch control. However, the aircraft had already risen roughly 3 to 4 feet from the surface; this action caused the helicopter to descend rapidly and strike the ground heavily before rolling onto its left side. The pilot, who was secured by a lap and diagonal seat belt, exited the cabin without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by both the student pilot and his instructor. The examination focused on the sequence of the solo maneuver and the physical impact of the tail strike on the aircraft's stability.