Accident Details
On 12 August 1999 at 1115 hours UTC, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration G-WISP, was involved in an accident at Ashe Ingen Court, Bridstow, Ross-on-Wye. The aircraft was on a private flight from Gloucestershire Airport to a private landing site. The pilot had obtained prior permission and details about the landing site.
Narrative
Upon arrival, the pilot orbited the site and observed a marked landing spot. He approached and brought the helicopter to a low hover. On closer inspection, the pilot judged that the marked spot was not appropriate and elected to hover taxi forwards to the north of the marked location towards an area that appeared acceptable. During touchdown, the helicopter rocked back due to the sloping ground. The pilot applied corrective cyclic and collective controls. However, the helicopter lifted off and drifted forwards towards bushes. The main rotor struck the bushes, causing the helicopter to descend and hit the ground. It then rolled over onto its right side. The pilot immediately switched off the electrical systems but could not immediately locate the fuel valve. No fire occurred. The passenger evacuated through the broken front left windscreen, followed by the pilot.
Injuries and Damage
The crew of one reported no injuries. The one passenger sustained a minor injury. Damage was limited to the main rotor blades and fuselage.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopters) and was 52 years old. He had 342 hours of total flying experience, of which 75 hours were on the Robinson R44 type. In the last 90 days, he flew 41 hours; in the last 28 days, 12 hours.
Cause
The pilot assessed that the accident was caused by an overcorrection on the flight controls, which produced unplanned forward movement of the helicopter.