History of the Flight
On the evening of 19 April 1998, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration G-POWE, departed a hotel near Leicester, England, at around 2030 UTC. The pilot, a 36-year-old private pilot with 362 flight hours (61 on type), had flown the helicopter earlier that day from Leicester Aerodrome to several locations, including a local inn and a private site at Desford. He picked up three passengers at Desford and flew to the hotel, where they had a meal. Witnesses observed rain as the occupants returned to the helicopter. Shortly after takeoff, a witness approximately 3 km north of the crash site heard "spluttering or stalling" sounds and the sound of rotor blades, followed by a crash about 20 seconds later.
Weather Conditions
The weather at the time of the accident was overcast with drizzle. A forecast at the Leicester Flying Club indicated an approaching frontal system expected around 2100 UTC, with rain and low cloud. An aftercast from the Meteorological Office showed that at 2100 UTC, the frontal system lay from Manchester to Birmingham, with occasional rain and drizzle, visibility around 3,000 metres, cloud scattered at 500 feet amsl and overcast at 1,000 feet amsl. Surface wind was 130°/5 kt, temperature 8°C, dew point 7°C, and QNH 1003 mb. The temperature and dew point plot indicated a risk of carburettor icing at any power, especially in precipitation. Other pilots in the area at 1845 UTC reported cloud base around 1,000–1,200 feet agl and visibility 5 km with light rain. The police helicopter crew, based 9 km south, reported that at 2005 UTC weather was near their limits (600 feet agl cloud base, 8 km visibility). When scrambled at about 2105 UTC, they found cloud base at 300 feet agl and returned to base.
Search and Rescue
After the witness reported the crash at 2054 UTC, police initiated a search with 12 vehicles, but weather initially prevented airborne search. About two hours later, a police helicopter flew for 45 minutes but did not locate the site due to poor conditions. A seismographic survey gave no indication. The search continued overnight with mountain rescue and fire department personnel and dogs. Military assistance was requested, but a local landowner discovered the crash site before an RAF helicopter could join the search.
Accident Site and Wreckage
The accident site was in a small steep-sided valley about 900 metres southwest of Gumley, Leicestershire, elevation approximately 400 feet amsl. The helicopter struck the bottom of a steep southerly-facing grassy slope while flying south. Initial impact attitude was nose down 22°, left bank 35°, ground speed 80–100 kt, and descent rate 2,000 ft/min. No yaw or fuselage rotation was evident. The wreckage continued down the slope, through wooded area, crossed a stream, and came to rest on a north-facing slope. A severe post-impact fire consumed much of the wreckage. Examination of impact marks indicated the main rotor blades were rotating at reasonable speed but with low energy; the tail rotor was being driven under low power by the main rotor. Fuel-affected vegetation suggested a substantial amount of fuel was present.
Examination Findings
Detailed examination of the cockpit instrumentation and systems showed the illumination lights were on, consistent with night flight. The low rotor warning light was illuminated, indicating main rotor speed was below normal. No evidence was found of any pre-impact mechanical failure. A branch found on a nearby road was determined to have fallen naturally, not struck by the helicopter.