Accident to the Robinson R44 registered G-NIOG on 10/06/2022 at Le Touquet

This is a courtesy translation by the BEA of the Final Report on the Safety Investigation published in August 2022. As accurate as the translation may be, the original text in French is the work of reference.

Note: The following information is principally based on the pilot’s statement. This information has not been independently validated by the BEA.

1. History of the flight

On leaving Denham (United Kingdom), the helicopter was on approach to Le Touquet-Côte d’Opale airport (LFAT), runway 31 was in use.

On the pilot’s request, he was cleared to fly a direct approach from the downwind leg to the parking area in the north of the airport. The wind was calm, below 10 kt. There was a tailwind on this flight path.

The pilot indicated that on short final, the indicated airspeed was around 50 kt. To slow down, he flared which increased the rpm speed. To counter this increase and keep the engine rating within acceptable limits, the pilot raised the collective pitch lever. At the same time, the helicopter sank, and the pilot perceived an impact on the tail. 

The pilot landed and shut down the engine. He and his passengers exited the aircraft. He then saw an impact mark on the tail cone. During the flare, the main rotor blades had struck the tail boom.

The pilot stated that a slower approach speed would have required a smaller flare to reduce the speed.

2. Additional information

2.1 Experience

The pilot held a valid PPL(H) and valid R44, R2 and KA326D type ratings. He also held a valid PPL (A) and valid SEP, MEP, IR.SP.ME and CRI-SE ratings.

His total experience in flight hours on the day of the accident was:

2.2 Safety lesson

The pilot indicated that on carrying out a direct approach to the parking area from the downwind leg, he did not realise that this shortened his flight path and that his speed on short final was excessive. During a probably steep flare, the main rotor blades struck the tail boom.