What happened
On 22 November 2013, a private flight consisting of a pilot and one passenger departed Morningstar Aerodrome for Mossel Bay Aerodrome (Foliage/FAMO). Upon arriving overhead FAMO at 2,500 feet, the pilot identified a Bell 212 helicopter operating near the runway. After communicating via the local frequency, the pilot proceeded with a landing on Runway 27, noting the helicopter was crossing the runway with a suspended bambi bucket.
Following a successful touchdown, the pilot maintained a 'wheeler' attitude—keeping the tail up to improve visibility—while taxiing to vacate the runway. As the Van’s RV-8, registration ZU-FHM, passed the hovering helicopter, the aircraft was struck by sudden turbulence. This caused the plane to yaw violently and the tail to lift. Despite the pilot's attempts to use aft control to lower the tail, the aircraft nosed forward onto the asphalt. The impact damaged the propeller, spinner, and landing gear components, but no injuries were reported.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the sequence of events, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the environmental conditions. The investigation confirmed that the Van’s RV-8 was airworthy and the pilot held a valid private license. Investigators reviewed radio communications, which showed the helicopter crew had actually cautioned the pilot regarding potential downwash. The investigation also looked at the positioning of the helicopter, which was hovering over a taxiway approximately 48 meters from the runway, and the aerodynamic effects of rotor downwash on light, tail-dragger aircraft.