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2021 Robinson 44 Raven II Accident at Tilodi Game Reserve (ZS-HBH)

Tilodi Game Reserve, ZA

On September 15, 2021, a Robinson 44 Raven II (registration ZS-HBH) was involved in an aviation accident near Tilodi Game Reserve, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control because of an uncoordinated turn at low level, which resulted in loss of translational lift and high-power demand; hence, the subsequent impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Robinson 44 Raven II (ZS-HBH) crashed at Tilodi Game Reserve on 15 September 2021 during a livestock count. The pilot and two passengers were unharmed. The cause was loss of control due to an uncoordinated turn at low level.

Overview and Flight Details On 15 September 2021, a Robinson 44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-HBH, was involved in an accident at Tilodi Game Reserve in Leeupoort, Limpopo Province. The aircraft, serial number 12287, had accumulated 1,679.1 total hours. The flight was a private operation under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011, conducted for a game livestock counting exercise. The pilot was a 25-year-old male holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with 361.9 total flying hours and 298.6 hours on type. Two passengers were on board. The weather was clear, with a temperature of 25°C and a QNH of 1017 hPa. The calculated density altitude was 4,500 feet.

Probable cause

Loss of control because of an uncoordinated turn at low level, which resulted in loss of translational lift and high-power demand; hence, the subsequent impact with the ground.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Sept 2021 Robinson 44 Raven II accident near Tilodi Game Reserve, ZA?

A Robinson 44 Raven II (ZS-HBH) crashed at Tilodi Game Reserve on 15 September 2021 during a livestock count. The pilot and two passengers were unharmed. The cause was loss of control due to an uncoordinated turn at low level.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Sept 2021 Robinson 44 Raven II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Sept 2021 involved a Robinson 44 Raven II, registration ZS-HBH, at Tilodi Game Reserve, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of control because of an uncoordinated turn at low level, which resulted in loss of translational lift and high-power demand; hence, the subsequent impact with the ground.

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