What happened
On 12 May 2006, a Rotorway RW 152D helicopter, registration G-BRGX, was conducting a private flight near Horns Cross, East Sussex, for the purpose of a Permit to Fly renewal. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing at approximately 800 ft, the pilot observed smoke entering the cabin. In response, the pilot initiated a turn back toward the departure point and began a descent, preparing for an autorotative landing.
As the aircraft descended, the pilot increased the airspeed to 8 and performed an 'S' turn to facilitate a run-on landing. During the flare at 50 ft, the cockpit became heavily obscured by smoke, making instruments and forward visibility impossible. The pilot executed an emergency landing, during which the aircraft bounced and skidded. The impact caused the tailboom to separate and the right skid to collapse. While the passenger escaped through a canopy opening without injury, the pilot sustained a minor burn to the arm while exiting through the door.
The investigation
The investigation was hampered by a severe ground fire that consumed the aircraft, making it impossible to determine the exact origin of the airborne fire. The aircraft was subsequently destroyed. The pilot noted that during recent refueling from jerry cans, some fuel spillage had occurred, and the exterior had been wiped down, but the pilot suggested that fuel might have pooled in the belly pan.
Findings
- The aircraft was performing a private flight for maintenance verification.
- Smoke entered the cockpit during the initial climb phase.
- The pilot performed a controlled autorotative landing despite zero visibility in the cockpit.
- The rapid progression of the fire suggested a fuel-based cause, potentially linked to fuel pooling in the belly pan during refueling.
- The severity of the post-landing fire prevented a definitive determination of the fire's cause.