What happened
On the morning of 1 June 2021, a Schweizer 269C helicopter, registration ZS-RVD, departed from New Tempe Aerodrome for a mission on a game farm in the Brandfort District, Free State. The flight was part of a commercial aerial work operation involving the darting of buffalo for medical purposes. To facilitate the task, the aircraft's doors had been removed.
During the operation, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft to allow the passenger to dart a buffalo. After the first animal was successfully darted, the passenger prepared to target a second buffalo. While the helicopter was executing a right-hand turn at a forward speed of approximately 5 knots, the passenger fell from the aircraft. The fall occurred at an altitude of between 30 and 50 feet above the ground. The pilot immediately landed the aircraft at the scene to provide assistance.
The investigation
An investigation into the incident established that the passenger was wearing a bulky jacket due to cold weather and was utilizing the helicopter's provided lap strap. However, the passenger was not using shoulder harnesses to allow for the necessary movement required for darting. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's primary safety harness was intact and fully functional following the event. The passenger sustained serious injuries and required medical transport to a hospital in Bloemfontein.
Findings
- The passenger inadvertently unlatched the safety harness while repositioning themselves to target a second animal.
- The passenger was not utilizing a secondary or backup safety harness.
- The loss of seating occurred while the aircraft was in a turn, leading to the passenger falling from the cabin.