At approximately 14:25 hrs on 30 July 2024, while operating in the vicinity of Killucan, Co. Westmeath, with an Instructor and a Student on board, control of the Helicopter was lost at a low altitude during a sixth practice autorotation. The Helicopter impacted with the surface of an agricultural field, then travelled forwards and impacted with a gable wall and roof of an agricultural building, where it came to rest in a nose-down attitude. Both occupants were fatally injured. There was no fire.
The Investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control during a practice autorotation (with power recovery) manoeuvre; three contributory causes were also identified.
Four Safety Recommendations are made as a result of this Safety Investigation.
