Accident Overview
On the evening of 19 September 2004, at about 2057 hours, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter (registration G-SPAL) impacted the side of a hill near Kentallen, Oban, Scotland, during a private night flight. The aircraft was destroyed. The pilot sustained serious injuries; the passenger suffered fatal injuries.
Flight History
The pilot had flown from Perth (Scone) Airfield to a private landing site at Ardsheal near Kentallen three days earlier. After several days of local flying, on the day of the accident he flew to the Island of Mull, returned to Ardsheal at about 1500 hours, and later departed for Perth with two passengers. One passenger left at Perth; the pilot and the remaining passenger refuelled and departed after sunset at about 1915 hours, intending to return to Ardsheal. The pilot planned to reverse his earlier route, knowing the final landing would occur after nightfall. He monitored Glasgow Radar but made no radio transmissions.
The flight was uneventful until near Lochgilphead, when the passenger moved toward the pilot and did not respond when asked to move away. The pilot physically shook the passenger, who then complied. During this incident, control was momentarily lost, the aircraft climbed rapidly, and the pilot became disorientated before regaining control. The pilot told the passenger he could sleep for the remainder of the flight.
Final Approach and Accident
As the helicopter approached the landing site, the passenger again slumped onto the pilot. The pilot pushed the passenger back but temporarily lost control. The aircraft climbed into cloud momentarily before control was regained. The pilot then became disorientated and lost sight of the intended coastal track. The passenger remained unresponsive.
Shortly after, the passenger flopped onto the pilot a second time (the third reported involuntary movement). The pilot pushed the passenger back, but control was lost again. As the pilot looked up, a loud bang occurred, and the helicopter struck the ground. The pilot freed himself from the wreckage but could not rescue the unconscious passenger. An explosion and fire ensued, forcing the pilot to slide down a slope to a waterfall, where he awaited rescue.
Witness Accounts
Several witnesses reported bad weather with heavy rain and strong winds; one described it as "atrocious." Some heard the helicopter's distinctive noise; others saw lights but not the outline of Ardsheal Hill due to darkness. A witness near the bay observed the helicopter flying at low height and steady heading at about 20–25 mph, then turning slowly right before impacting the hillside. Another witness said the helicopter "drifted into Ardsheal Hill" and flames appeared within 5–10 minutes. One of the pilot's rescuers reported the pilot saying the crash "had been caused by a gust of wind" and that they were "trying to land anywhere at Ardsheal." Later, the pilot told another rescuer that the helicopter "grabbed me or we just fell."
Aircraft and Crew Information
The helicopter was a Robinson R44 Raven II, year of manufacture 2004, with one Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 engine. The pilot, aged 53, held a Private Pilot's Licence with a Night Rating and had 492 total flying hours, including 401 on type. The nature of damage was destruction of the aircraft.
Probable Cause
The official report does not state a probable cause.