Fatal R22 Helicopter Crash During Aerial Hunt in New Zealand (ZK-IHA)

Accident Overview and Findings On 27 March 2017, a two-seat Robinson Helicopter Company R22 helicopter, registration ZK-IHA, crashed into densely forested terrain near Reefton, New Zealand, while carrying a slung load for an aerial hunting operation. The helicopter was destroyed, and the pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) determined that the helicopter likely experienced a low rotor-revolutions-per-minute event, though it could not be established whether this occurred before or during the initial impact with the tree canopy. The Commission could not conclusively determine the cause of the strike but identified two likely factors: the engine failing to deliver demanded power, or the pilot failing to maintain adequate clearance above the tree canopy. The investigation also found that the engine was in a condition that would likely have prevented it from producing maximum specified power. Additionally, the helicopter had not been maintained in accordance with manufacturer instructions and Civil Aviation Rules, with the engine showing wear inconsistent with its recorded logbook hours. The pilot had also conducted a commercial flight beyond the privileges of their private pilot licence. The TAIC noted that environmental conditions at the time had the potential to affect the safe conduct of the flight. The Civil Aviation Authority's regulatory controls for the non-commercial aviation sector were found to be broadly aligned with international standards, and no new recommendations were made. Key lessons emphasized the responsibility of all aviation participants to comply with Civil Aviation Rules and to raise concerns through the Aviation Related Concerns system.