What happened
On the morning of 04 May 2002, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration ZS-RFV, departed from the Doornkloof Nature Reserve to conduct a game census. The flight, operated by a commercial pilot and accompanied by one passenger, began by reviewing maps with the reserve manager before proceeding to a high-altitude area in the southeastern corner of the reserve.
While the crew was maneuvering toward a valley to begin their transects, the aircraft struck a steel cable. The impact occurred on the nose of the helicopter, approximately five inches below the compass mount, at a 40-degree angle. The force of the cable caused it to slice along both sides of the fuselage, damaging the aircraft skin and the cooling fan. Despite the impact, the pilot managed to land the aircraft safely, and there were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the collision and the condition of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial license with the appropriate type rating and a current medical certificate. Maintenance records indicated that the Robinson R22 was properly maintained, with the most recent MPI having been completed shortly before the incident.
Upon inspecting the site, investigators identified the object struck as a steel cable that had been anchored between a mountainside and a lower point on the ground. It was determined that this cable had been previously utilized for hoisting fencing materials up the mountain several years prior and had remained in place.