Incident Overview
On 03 August 2007 at 1610Z, a Bell 407 helicopter (registration ZS-RBL) was involved in a rotor blade collision with another Bell 407 (registration ZS-ROL) at Selborne Lodge, Perington, South Africa. The operation was private, and the pilot held a valid private pilot licence with 695.1 total flying hours, including 570.1 hours on type. The flight originated from Wild Coast Sun Hotel with the next intended landing at Selborne Lodge.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, after landing at Selborne Lodge, he was instructed by another pilot and a ground marshal to reposition his helicopter further to the left. This was required to make space for a Robinson R22 that was en route to the lodge. During the repositioned landing on a slope, the pilot heard a loud bang and immediately executed an emergency landing. Upon shutdown and inspection, he discovered that the main rotor blades of his helicopter (ZS-RBL) had made contact with the main rotor blades of helicopter ZS-ROL. Helicopter ZS-ROL had landed before ZS-RBL and was at idle with rotors turning when the contact occurred.
Damage and Injuries
Both helicopters sustained damage to all three of their main rotor blades. No injuries were reported among the pilot or the four passengers on board ZS-RBL. The other helicopter was unoccupied at the time.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at the time was CAVOK, with wind from 225° at 15 knots, temperature 15°C, and no clouds.
Probable Cause
The incident's probable cause was determined to be the pilot of ZS-RBL misjudging his proximity to the other helicopter during repositioning, leading to main rotor blade contact.