What happened
On 29 March 2009, a Robinson R4ly R44 Raven, registration G-EKKO, was preparing for a local VFR flight from Swansea Airport. The aircraft was occupied by the owner, positioned in the left seat, and a passenger, positioned in the right seat. Following a pre-flight inspection and radio communications, the pilot initiated the takeoff sequence.
As the aircraft began to lift, it started to rotate toward the left while still on the ground. The rotation accelerated rapidly, with the aircraft completing approximately five full revolutions. During this uncontrolled movement, the main rotor blades struck the tarmac, causing the aircraft to pitch forward and roll onto its left side. The impact caused the tail rotor and empennage to separate from the fuselage, with rotor blade fragments being projected over 100 meters from the wreckage.
The pilot managed to exit through the door and assisted the passenger out through a broken windscreen. The passenger sustained serious injuries, while the pilot suffered minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the yaw controls, the tail rotor, and the tail rotor drive systems. The inspection of the left rudder pedals revealed that the inboard end-plate was bent to such an extent that the pedals were stuck in a left-pedal input position. This deformation was consistent with the impact sequence.
Engineers found no significant mechanical failures in the yaw controls, tail rotor, or drive systems. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was equipped with removable left-seat controls, which were fitted at the time of the accident. The pilot and passenger had no recollection of the specific actions leading to the rotation.
Findings
- The accident was caused by either one or both occupants applying excessive left yaw pedal input, likely as the aircraft became light on its skids.
- The aircraft completed five rotations before the rotor blades struck the ground.
- The damage to the tail rotor and drive systems was consistent with overload during the impact sequence.