Engine power loss leads to helicopter crash in Limpopo Province

No fatalities • Limpopo Province, South Africa

A UH-1H helicopter experienced a loss of engine power during a firefighting mission, resulting in a hard landing in a field.

What happened

On July 23, 2019, at approximately 1107 UTC, a UH-1H helicopter, registration ZS-HLJ, experienced a loss of engine power while operating for firefighting purposes near Woodbush farm in the Limpopo Province.

Following the loss of power, the pilot performed an autorotation to a field. During the landing, the aircraft impacted the ground with significant force, causing the main rotor blades to strike the tail rotor shaft. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured.

Probable cause

The provided source does not state an official probable cause.

Related events

Same aircraft

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 2019 RIchards Heavylift UH-1H accident near Limpopo Province, South Africa?

A UH-1H helicopter experienced a loss of engine power during a firefighting mission, resulting in a hard landing in a field.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 2019 RIchards Heavylift UH-1H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 2019 involved a RIchards Heavylift UH-1H, operated by FFA Assets (PTY) LTD, at Limpopo Province, South Africa.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The provided source does not state an official probable cause.

Loading the flight search…

What you can do on Flight Finder

  • Search flights between any two airports with live fares.
  • By aircraft — pick a plane model (e.g. Boeing 787, Airbus A350) and see every route it flies from your origin.
  • Route map — click any airport worldwide to explore its destinations, or draw a radius to find nearby airports.
  • Global aviation safety — aviation accident database, 40,000+ records since 1980, with map and rankings by aircraft and operator.
  • NTSB safety feed — recent U.S. aviation accidents and incidents from the official NTSB CAROL database, updated daily.