Robinson R44, G-SYTN, 8 May 2005
Robinson R44, G-SYTN
Summary:
While hover taxiing the helicopter in a moderate tailwind towards the apron at Swansea airport, the pilot initiated a right turn which developed into an uncommanded and uncontrollable yaw to the right. The pilot was unable to regain control of the helicopter before it hit the ground and came to rest on its left side, with substantial damage to the tail and rotors. There was no fire. The pilot was able to vacate the aircraft unaided and assist the two passengers, who exited the aircraft without major injury. In the absence of evidence of a pre-existing mechanical fault, the investigation determined that the most likely cause of the accident was a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while hover taxiing at low speed with a tailwind.
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Published 10 December 2014