Robinson R44 Raven, G-SRPH, 11 February 2012

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2014

• Category: General aviation - rotorcraft
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 11 February 2012
• Aircraft type: Robinson R44 Raven
• Location: Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland
• Registration: G-SRPH

Robinson R44 Raven, G-SRPH

Summary:

The pilot was attempting a takeoff from a confined site with various small buildings in the immediate vicinity. The surface wind was assessed as westerly at 8 kt and there was no significant weather. The pilot reported that, as the helicopter lifted off, it yawed to the left. He applied opposite pedal to counter the yaw but over corrected. He then applied more collective in an attempt to escape from the situation but the helicopter yawed through about 180° and reached a height of about 25 to 30 ft, before descending. Before the helicopter hit the ground, the pilot pulled the cyclic control aft, to slow down. The tail struck the ground and the main rotor blades struck a nearby Portakabin, causing it severe damage. The helicopter came to rest upright on its skids. The pilot, who had not flown in the preceding 90 days, attributed the accident to over controlling on pedals and collective.

Download report:

Robinson R44 Raven G-SRPH 06-12.pdf (230.64 kb)

Published 10 December 2014