What happened
On 27 September 2009, a Robinson R44 Raven II, registration G-TIMC, was performing a private flight near Rutland Water. During the takeoff phase from an unlicensed landing site, the helicopter unexpectedly developed a nose-up attitude. The pilot responded by using the cyclic control and lowering the collective lever to maintain control.
Following this maneuver, the aircraft touched down at a position rotated 90 degrees from its initial takeoff point. As the helicopter landed, the rear shoe of the right skid became caught in the surface of the landing site. The site, which was not a formal airfield, consisted of concrete 'waffle-type' paving stones.
The investigation
Investigators examined the landing site and the aircraft's mechanical condition. The investigation established that the landing area was constructed of concrete paving stones featuring grooves. The pilot noted that while the aircraft's controls appeared functional, the snagging of the skid in the pavement occurred during the landing sequence. The aircraft sustained damage to the fuselage on the right side and the tail boom.