What happened
On 24 March 2012, a Westland Scout AH1, registration G-BXRR, was conducting a private flight from Thruxton to a landing site near Collingtree, Northamptonshire. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers, operating at its maximum landing weight.
Upon arriving at the destination, the pilot performed a reconnaissance of a grassed area located next to a hotel car park. During the final approach, the pilot initiated a flare to slow the aircraft. However, the deceleration was less rapid than anticipated. In an attempt to manage the approach, the pilot increased the flare attitude. This maneuver caused the helicopter to begin yawing to the right. In an immediate response to the yaw, the pilot lowered the collective lever, which led to the tail rotor drive train striking the ground.
Despite the impact, the pilot and all three passengers remained uninjured and were able to exit the aircraft without difficulty.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of the landing maneuver and the mechanical impact. The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear and the tail rotor drive train. The investigation established that the aircraft was approximately 80 lbs below its maximum landing weight at the time of the incident. Weather conditions at the time were reported as stable, with a temperature of 19°C and light winds from 330° at 5 knots.