What Happened
On 4 August 2021, at approximately 12:30 Z, a Robinson 44 helicopter with registration ZS-RHD was conducting a game capture operation at Elim Game Farm, near Hertzogville, Free State Province. The helicopter was operated under a Private (Part 127) helicopter aerial work and other air service operations classification. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported that he was flying parallel to a fence and powerlines when he observed an animal running from his right to left, towards the fence. In an attempt to prevent the animal from hitting the fence, the pilot banked the helicopter to the left. During this manoeuvre, the helicopter flew into the powerlines, became entangled, and remained suspended approximately 1 metre above the ground. The pilot jumped out of the suspended helicopter without injury. Moments later, the helicopter caught fire. The pilot was unable to retrieve the fire extinguisher from the burning helicopter, fearing electrocution as the helicopter remained suspended on live electrical wires.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The helicopter was a Robinson 44 (serial number 0242) with total airframe hours of 3999.0. It was destroyed in the accident. The pilot was a 50-year-old male holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) issued on 25 May 2012, with a proficiency check completed on 30 March 2021 (expiring 31 March 2022). He also held a Class 1 aviation medical certificate issued on 29 March 2021 (expiring 31 March 2022). The pilot had a total flying time of 773.1 hours, including 642.2 hours on the Robinson 44, and held a game capturing rating.
Probable Cause
The helicopter was being flown at a low height and it collided with the powerlines that spanned along its flight path during a left bank. The helicopter was suspended on the powerlines before it caught alight.