What happened
On 2 May 2013, a Robinson R44 II Raven II, registration G-MRRY, was involved in an accident at Denham Airfield in Buckinghamshire. The aircraft was being prepared for a private local flight under favorable weather conditions, characterized by fine, dry weather and a light easterly wind. The helicopter was positioned on a small concrete parking area situated near the fuel pumps.
While the pilot was performing necessary pre-takeoff inspections, the aircraft began to yaw toward the left. During this movement, the pilot lost control of the helicopter, causing both the main rotor blades and the tail rotor blades to strike the ground. The impact resulted in extensive damage to the fuselage and the rotor systems. The tail boom fractured and ended up lying parallel to the ground, while the engine compartment and the rear of the skids also sustained heavy damage. The pilot was uninjured and exited the aircraft via the rear right cabin door.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control on the ground. The pilot reported that the unexpected leftward yaw was caused by slippery surface conditions on the concrete parking area. No injuries were reported following the event.