What happened
On 03 August 2007, a Bell 407, registration ZS-RBL, was involved in a mid-air collision with another helicopter at Selborne Lodge in Perington. The incident occurred during a private flight following a landing at the lodge. After the initial touchdown, the pilot was directed by ground personnel and another pilot to move the aircraft further to the left to clear a path for an incoming Robinson R22.
While performing this repositioning maneuver on a slope, the pilot of ZS-RBL heard a loud impact and was forced to execute an emergency landing. Upon inspecting the aircraft after engine shutdown, it was discovered that the main rotor blades of ZS-RBL had struck the main rotor blades of helicopter ZS-ROL, which had already landed and was idling at the site.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the maneuver and the positioning of both aircraft. The investigation established that the collision occurred while the pilot of ZS-RBL was attempting to adjust his position as instructed by ground marshals and another pilot on site. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft ZS-ROL was stationary with its engines at idle when the contact occurred. There were no injuries reported for the pilot or the four passengers on board ZS-RBL.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the pilot of ZS-RBL misjudged the proximity between his aircraft and the already landed helicopter.
- The collision resulted in significant damage to the three main rotor blades of both the Bell 407 and the other involved aircraft.