Aircraft Information
The helicopter involved was a Schweizer 269C (also known as Schweizer 300), registration G-WARK, manufactured in 1989. It was powered by one Lycoming HIO-360-D1A piston engine.
Circumstances
On 5 May 2008 at 1600 UTC, the pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence with 350 hours total experience (330 on type), was returning from a flight from Bagby. He landed the helicopter on the private landing ground near his house, 3 nm east of Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire. While reducing engine speed prior to shutdown, an empty cement bag was blown up into the main rotor. The bag, of woven fabric capable of holding approximately one cubic metre (one tonne) of material, was associated with building work being conducted at the premises. The bag striking the rotor blade caused the blade to fly out of track, resulting in an imbalance that led to extensive damage to the airframe.
Damage
The airframe sustained extensive damage, including the cabin and tail boom. No injuries were reported among the crew or passenger.