AAIB investigation to Robinson R44 Raven II, G-WTWT
Rolled over during a precautionary landing, Herne Bay, Canterbury, Kent, 26 July 2020.
Summary:
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot realised that the left front door was not properly closed so decided to make a precautionary landing. During the approach the helicopter developed a high rate of descent which the pilot was not able to arrest. The helicopter stuck the ground and rolled over. Three of the occupants sustained minor injuries.
The investigation found the helicopter had made a downwind approach to land and was likely to have entered a vortex ring state. The pilot was not aware he was making a downwind approach.
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Published 12 November 2020