History of the Flight
On 5 March 2021, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-SBM, operated by Mr. Leonard Matenje, departed Matsieng Airstrip near Rasesa Village in the late afternoon for a private flight to Xumabee Game Ranch. The pilot reported a flight duration of approximately 45 minutes and arrival at 1850 hours local time. Witnesses noted it was the first time the helicopter arrived so late at the ranch. The departure was not recorded; airstrip workers and security had already left for the day, and no entries were made in the Covid-19 register.
Injuries to Persons
Both occupants—the male pilot and female passenger—sustained fatal injuries in the accident.
Damage to Aircraft
The helicopter was destroyed upon impact with terrain.
Personnel Information
The pilot-in-command was a male who also owned Xumabee Game Ranch. The passenger was a female traveling to the same ranch.
Helicopter Information
The aircraft was a Robinson R44 Raven II, serial number 12099, registered in South Africa as ZS-SBM. It was owned by Finance Asset Aircraft Corporation and operated by Mr. Leonard Matenje. The helicopter was not equipped with an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).
Flight Operations
No flight plan was filed with Air Traffic Services at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. The pilot did not establish communication with air traffic control, and the helicopter's transponder was not activated, preventing detection by secondary surveillance radar.
Accident Circumstances
After entering Xumabee Game Ranch, approximately one kilometer from the intended landing site, the helicopter collided with terrain and crashed. The accident occurred at 1740Z (1940 local time) on 5 March 2021.