History of Flight
On 13 July 2012 at approximately 0740Z, a Robinson R22 Beta II (registration ZS-RLY) departed from Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) for a local private flight with a pilot and one passenger on board. The flight was conducted under visual flight rules (VFR). According to the pilot, during the approach to runway 35 at 30 knots, a sudden gust of wind from the left caused the helicopter to tilt left despite application of full left rudder pedal. A witness observed the helicopter approaching the grass landing area with excessive pitching motions and vertical oscillations. The left skid contacted the ground, and the helicopter briefly became airborne again before oscillations became severe, leading to a roll to the right and left. A main rotor blade struck the ground, and the helicopter came to rest on its left side.
Injuries
Both occupants were admitted to hospital and discharged the following day. The pilot sustained a concussion, and the passenger was treated for emotional and physical shock. No fatalities occurred.
Damage to Helicopter
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor, tail boom, and left skid (which separated from the airframe).
Meteorological Information
Weather at the time included surface wind from 320° at 12 knots, temperature 12°C, visibility greater than 10 km, and no cloud cover.
Probable Cause
The accident investigation determined the probable cause to be the left skid contacting the ground, causing the helicopter to oscillate up and down and enter a dynamic rollover. Poor technique was also cited as a contributing factor.
Additional Facts
The helicopter was a 2000-model Robinson R22 Beta II (serial number 3082) with a Textron Lycoming O-360-J2A engine. It had accumulated 1069.9 total airframe hours at the time of the accident. The last mandatory periodic inspection was performed on 5 June 2012 at 1044.1 hours. The helicopter was operated under a hire-and-fly arrangement for private use. The pilot held a valid private pilot license with a type rating for the R22 and had 75.5 total flying hours, with 54.2 hours on type. The aircraft weight at the time of the accident was 1340.85 lbs, 29.15 lbs below the maximum takeoff weight of 1370 lbs. No pre-existing defects or malfunctions were identified in the helicopter.
Safety Actions
No safety recommendations were issued as a result of this investigation.