What happened
On 10 March 2022, a Schweizer 269C helicopter, registration ZS-HED, was engaged in a game capturing mission at the Paul Roux game farm in the Free State province. The flight, conducted under Part 137 regulations, involved maneuvering the aircraft at low altitudes to herd antelopes toward a boma. While flying approximately one foot above the ground, the pilot experienced a sudden impact originating from the tail section. Despite attempts to climb by increasing collective pitch, the aircraft entered an unrecoverable spin and struck the open field with high force. The impact destroyed the aircraft, though no fire occurred. The pilot sustained serious injuries and required medical transport to a clinic in Bloemfontein.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and found the cockpit and instrument panel were destroyed upon impact. While the engine was producing significant power and the transmission components remained intact, the tail rotor driveshaft had failed due to torsional overload. The tail rotor assembly had separated from the tail cone.
During the search of the accident site, investigators located a deceased antelope with a severe head wound. A detached tail rotor blade was found near the animal, leading investigators to conclude that the tail rotor had struck the antelope. Maintenance records for the aircraft were found to be in order, with all mandatory inspections and service bulletins up to date.