Welshpool: Passenger given control of helicopter before crash

The two-passenger light helicopter hit the ground and rolled on it side at Welshpool Airport

A helicopter crashed after the pilot handed over the controls to a passenger, an investigation has found.

Both escaped uninjured through a broken windscreen after the crash at Welshpool Airport, Powys, in September.

A report by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) found the passenger was taking part in a helicopter experience day.

The pilot said the passenger, who had no previous flying experience, failed to relinquish control when asked.

The passenger was allowed to take control during his first flight on a two-seat light helicopter, the report noted.

But the pilot quickly took over when the aircraft began to drift.

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After a debrief and a break to refuel, the passenger was allowed to take control on a second flight.

He tried hovering the helicopter at a height of about 15ft (4.6m), but it hit the ground and rolled on to its side.

Helicopter 'accelerated forward'

The report said the pilot and passenger disagreed about the cause of the accident.

"The pilot considered that the accident had occurred due to the passenger not releasing the controls when commanded," the report said.

"The passenger's account of the accident sequence differed from that of the pilot."

He stated he had immediately released his grip of the cyclic control when commanded by the pilot, and the helicopter "accelerated forward" before it "swerved to the right" and then "to the left and hit the ground".

"The AAIB investigation was unable to resolve the differences between these two statements, but this accident highlights the importance of clear communication and setting out responsibilities as part of the pre-flight brief and, should it be deemed appropriate, the ability of the pilot to stop the flight at any time," it added.

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