What happened
On 31 May 2011, a Robinson R44 II Raven, registration G-GDJF, was involved in an accident on private property near Skegness, Lincolnshire. The aircraft was being operated for private purposes, and the pilot was performing a hover to dry the helicopter following a wash.
While hovering, the helicopter experienced a sudden yaw to the right. In an attempt to prevent the aircraft from colliding with nearby trees, the pilot executed a landing in an adjacent field. This landing was described as abrupt due to the uneven nature of the terrain. During the maneuver, the helicopter rolled over, resulting in damage to the rotor blades, tail, and skered skids. The pilot escaped without injury, though one passenger sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent inquiries. Weather conditions at the time of the incident were reported as clear, with visibility of 20 km and a West-Northwest wind of 10 to 20 knots, including gusts reaching 20 knots.
Findings
Investigators established that the initial yaw of the aircraft was likely triggered by a gust of wind. The subsequent rollover was attributed to the pilot landing too abruptly on uneven ground while attempting to avoid obstacles.