What happened
On the morning of 11 June 2000, a Robinson R22, registration ZS-RFY, was prepared for a private flight departing from Virginia Airport. After completing a standard pre-flight inspection and boarding with a passenger, the pilot obtained clearance from the control tower to begin operations.
As the helicopter commenced its takeoff roll, the aircraft suddenly experienced an uncontrolled roll and yaw toward the right side. The pilot attempted to stabilize the aircraft using cyclic and pedal inputs, but the maneuvers were unsuccessful. Consequently, the helicopter tipped over and ended up on its side on the aerodrome. There were no fatalities and no injuries resulting from the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics during the critical takeoff phase and the environmental conditions present at the time. Meteorological data indicated fine weather with a light wind of 070 degrees at 6 knots. The inquiry examined the pilot's actions in response to the sudden movement of the aircraft and the physical limitations imposed by the low altitude at the moment the instability occurred.