Westland Scout AH1, G-BXRR, 24 March 2012

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

• Category: Commercial - rotorcraft
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 24 March 2012
• Aircraft type: Westland Scout AH1
• Location: Near Collingtree, Northamptonshire
• Registration: G-BXRR

Westland Scout AH1, G-BXRR

Summary:

The helicopter departed Thruxton at 1416 hrs, with the pilot and three passengers aboard, and arrived over the landing site in Northamptonshire after an uneventful flight. The site was a grassed area with no ground markings adjacent to a hotel car park. The weather was fine, with a surface wind from 330° at 5 kt and a temperature of 19°C.

The pilot flew a “full recce” of the site before making an approach to the grassed area. The helicopter was calculated to be approximately 80 lbs below its maximum landing weight at this point. As he flared the helicopter it did not slow down as quickly as he expected so he increased the flare attitude, following which the helicopter’s tail struck the ground. The helicopter started to yaw to the right, so the pilot immediately lowered the collective lever, which resulted in a heavy landing. The pilot and his passengers were uninjured and able to vacate the helicopter normally.

Download report:

Westland Scout AH1 G-BXRR 07-12.pdf (216.08 kb)

Published 10 December 2014