Accident Details
On 28 May 2005 at 1117 UTC, a Schweizer 269C helicopter (registration G-HFLA) conducted a training flight in the Norwich Airport area. The weather was clear with gusty wind conditions; the reported surface wind was from 230° at 23 kt. The instructor crosschecked the wind against the windsock and decided to demonstrate an engine-off landing on Runway 22 grass.
Autorotation was commenced at 1,300 ft agl. At 500 ft agl, when certain the landing area would be reached, the instructor fully closed the throttle. Around 200 ft agl he checked the airspeed (target 55 kt) and rotor RPM (490 RPM). At a low height, he initiated a flare—not too steep due to the wind—then levelled the aircraft and cushioned the touchdown with the collective. The helicopter hit the ground hard and slid approximately 10 to 15 metres before stopping, having sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft and Crew
The helicopter was a Schweizer 269C, manufactured in 1989, powered by one Lycoming HIO-360-D1A piston engine. The commander held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence, was aged 65, and had 13,986 total flying hours, of which 108 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 45 hours, and 21 hours in the last 28 days. The crew comprised two people; no passengers were on board.
Injuries and Damage
One crew member (the student) sustained minor injuries. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. Both occupants were wearing four-point harnesses and were able to vacate the aircraft unassisted.
Pilot’s Account
The instructor reported uncertainty as to the exact cause of the accident but suggested that windshear in the strong and gusty wind conditions was a likely factor. He noted that the ground slide following the hard landing was relatively short, which could indicate low forward speed at touchdown.