What happened
On 8 September 2002, a Rotorway Executive 90 (registration G-BUJZ) was conducting a private local flight near Retford (Gamston) Airport in Nottinghamshire. During the flight, the pilot contacted the airfield radio to announce intentions to refuel at the airport. Shortly after, the pilot reported a low fuel state and requested a straight-in approach and landing, eventually asking for clearance to fly directly to the refueling area due to critical fuel levels.
While ground personnel attempted to confirm the required fuel type, the helicopter became unresponsive to radio communications. An aircraft departing the airfield was tasked with locating the helicopter and subsequently spotted the aircraft on the ground in a field situated abeam the threshold of Runway 21. Upon arrival, airfield fire and rescue services found the helicopter had sustained damage to its tail rotor blades.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and interviewed witnesses to determine the cause of the emergency landing. The pilot reported that while flying near ploughed fields at the end of the downwind leg, birds were observed in the area. Shortly after this sighting, a loud bang occurred, followed by significant vibration and a leftward yaw of the aircraft. The pilot then initiated an autorotative maneuver to land in the field.
While the pilot's account suggested a bird strike, investigators noted that rescue services did not observe any bird remains at the scene. Furthermore, a mechanical inspection of the tail rotor blades, which had sustained damage, revealed no evidence of organic matter or bird remains.