The Accident
On 5 November 2000 at 1035 hours UTC, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration G-UTTS, was departing from Retford (Gamston) Airport. The helicopter had been parked on an asphalt taxiway between two fixed-wing aircraft, facing into a headwind of approximately 6 to 10 knots. After a normal start, the pilot lifted into a low hover but felt uncomfortable with the handling of G-UTTS and decided to land. During the landing, the helicopter drifted slightly and the rear of the skids touched down on the grass just off the taxiway. G-UTTS tilted backwards, causing the tail rotor to strike the ground. One of the detached tail rotor blades struck a main rotor blade. The pilot executed the emergency shutdown procedures, and all four occupants evacuated the helicopter without injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Robinson R44 powered by a Lycoming O-540-F1B5 piston engine, manufactured in 2000. The flight was private, with the pilot holding a Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopters and Gyroplanes). The pilot was 42 years old and had 225 total flying hours, including 10 hours on type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 27 hours, and in the last 28 days, 5 hours. There were three passengers on board. The helicopter sustained serious damage to the rear fuselage and tail rotor, and one main rotor blade was damaged.
Post-accident Findings
Subsequent inspection by the pilot revealed that the switch for the hydraulic cyclic and collective controls was in the 'Off' position. The pilot acknowledged this error in an honest report.