Accident Details
On 1 June 2010, at approximately 0805 UTC, a Robinson R44 Raven helicopter (registration G-LWAY) was involved in an accident at Loch Long, near Arrochar, Scotland. The aircraft, manufactured in 2002, was powered by a single Lycoming O-540-F1B5 piston engine. The flight was conducted under a Private Pilot's Licence, with the sole occupant being the pilot. No passengers were on board, and the pilot sustained no injuries. The helicopter, however, was damaged beyond economic repair.
Pilot Information
The 46-year-old pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence (Helicopters) and had accumulated 634 total flying hours, of which 250 hours were on the Robinson R44 type. In the preceding 90 days, he had flown 7 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.
Sequence of Events
During an approach to a private site adjacent to a sea loch, at a height of approximately 50 feet, the pilot focused his attention on an object in the water. This distraction caused him to lose awareness of his surroundings, and the helicopter struck the surface of the water at an airspeed of about 60 knots, approximately 100 metres from the shore. Upon impact, the helicopter tumbled forwards, coming to rest inverted with the cockpit submerged and sinking.
Aftermath
Although the accident occurred in daylight, the pilot was unable to see underwater due to the combination of salt water and fuel. He became disorientated and had difficulty locating the release mechanism of his three-point harness. He was unsure how long he remained in the helicopter and believed he may have exited through the left door, which was on the opposite side from his seat. When he reached the surface, the last part of the aircraft was just disappearing. He was uninjured and able to swim ashore.
Pilot Comments
The pilot noted that he had had to concentrate hard during his 25-minute flight and that he had relaxed once his destination was in sight. He believed this relaxation may have made him more susceptible to the distraction that led to the accident.