What happened
On 17 September 1998, a Rotorway Executive, registration G-KENI, was conducting an air test flight near Street Farm, Takeley, in Hertfordshire. The flight was being conducted as a private operation. During the approach to a landing site, the aircraft was flying in downwind conditions with a forecast surface wind of 310°/06 kt.
As the pilot prepared to turn onto the final approach, power was reduced. During this phase, the helicopter began to lose altitude. Despite the pilot applying full power in an attempt to arrest the descent, the aircraft could not be recovered in time. The helicopter subsequently made a heavy landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the flight dynamics during the approach and the pilot's response to the aircraft's descent. The pilot, who held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and had 2,228 total flying hours, noted that the descent began following the reduction of power during the downwind leg of the approach.