Accident Details
On 24 August 2021, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter with registration ZS-ROA was conducting a game capture flight at a private farm near the Nylsvlei Nature Reserve in Limpopo province, South Africa. The flight was performed under Part 137 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (2011) during daylight hours.
The pilot reported operating at a height between 50 and 100 metres (164-328 ft) above ground level, above trees estimated to be approximately 30 metres (98 ft) tall. While herding animals toward a boma, the helicopter experienced an engine power loss and descended about 5 metres (15 ft). The pilot stated he did not observe or hear any cockpit warning of the power loss.
Sequence of Events
After descending approximately 5 metres, the tail cone struck a tree, damaging the stabiliser assembly, which subsequently separated from the tail section. The helicopter entered an uncontrollable nose-right yaw. The pilot then rolled the throttle to the off position to stop the spin. The helicopter descended toward a clearing in the bushes, impacted the ground hard, rolled slightly to the right, and came to rest in that position.
Damage and Injuries
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor, main rotor blades, and skids. The pilot was not injured during the accident sequence.
Post-Accident Observations
Post-accident examination indicated that the trees at the site were likely lower in height than the 30 metres stated by the pilot. Therefore, it is probable that the pilot was operating the helicopter at a lower altitude when the tail cone struck a tree.
Probable Cause
The helicopter’s tail cone struck a tree during a low-level operation, which resulted in the severing of the stabiliser assembly, as well as loss of tail rotor effectiveness. This caused an uncontrollable yaw and the subsequent crash.
Safety Actions
No safety actions were taken by the investigation.
Regulations Cited
The report references Civil Aviation Regulations Part 91.06.32 (Minimum Heights) and Part 128.07.6 (Minimum flight altitudes), but no determination was made regarding compliance.
Investigation Notes
This limited accident investigation report was compiled by the South African Civil Aviation Authority's Accident and Incident Investigations Division based on information provided by the affected persons. No on-site investigation was conducted.