Accident Details
On 2 May 2013 at 1600 hours UTC, a Robinson R44 II Raven II, registration G-MRRY (year of manufacture 2007, serial number 11780), sustained extensive damage during a pre-takeoff event at Denham Airfield, Buckinghamshire. The helicopter was powered by one Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 piston engine. The flight was categorized as private, with the sole pilot as the only occupant. The pilot, aged 47, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 130 hours of flying experience, of which 110 hours were on type. His recent flying activity included 2 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was preparing for a local flight under fine and dry weather conditions with a light easterly wind. The helicopter was parked on a small concrete parking area adjacent to fuel pumps. As the pilot carried out his pre-takeoff checks, the helicopter began to yaw to the left. The pilot lost control, and both the tail and main rotor blades struck the ground.
Damage and Pilot Actions
The impact caused extensive damage to the rotors and fuselage. The fuselage came to rest in a nearly vertical position, resting on the back of the engine compartment and the rear of the skids. The tail boom fractured and lay parallel to the ground. The pilot, who was uninjured, vacated the helicopter through the rear right cabin door. He attributed the unexpected yaw to slippery surface conditions.