What Happened
On 19 October 2022 at 0800Z, a pilot conducted a game capture operation (Part 137) in a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration ZS-RBM, at Ozabeni Game Reserve, approximately 3 nautical miles south-west of Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal Province. The flight was in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day.
The pilot had removed the helicopter doors for the operation. When it began to rain, he landed with the intention to refit the doors, which were about 8 metres ahead of the landing point. He lowered the collective, rolled the throttle to off, applied cyclic and collective friction with the engine at idle, then disembarked to retrieve the doors. As he reached the doors, he heard the engine RPM spooling up and observed the helicopter's nose lift, the tail stinger touching the ground, and the helicopter becoming airborne. It tracked backwards about 15 metres while yawing slightly right, then descended with the right skid low; the main rotor blades struck the ground, followed by the fuselage. The helicopter came to rest on its starboard side. The pilot ran back and switched off the engine.
Damage and Injuries
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, fuselage, tailboom, and skids. The pilot was not injured as he was positioned away from the helicopter.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Helicopter, issued 2 June 2022, valid to 30 June 2023, with a helicopter type and culling rating endorsement. He also held a Class 1 medical certificate with no restrictions. He had 4630.3 total flight hours, of which 397.1 were on the Robinson R22 type, and 18.7 hours on type in the preceding 90 days.
The helicopter's Certificate of Airworthiness was reissued on 30 November 2015, expiring 30 November 2022. The last mandatory periodic inspection was on 26 September 2022 at 5910.8 airframe hours, with a Certificate of Release to Service valid to 26 September 2023 or 6010.8 hours.
The operator held an Air Operating Certificate with Part 137 endorsement and G10 operation specification (game culling, counting, herding), issued 25 February 2022, expiring 28 February 2023.
Weather Conditions
The 0800Z METAR from Mbazwana Airfield (6.5 nm north-west) reported: wind 050° at 2 knots, temperature 26°C, dew point 23°C, QNH 1021 hPa, visibility 9999 metres, CAVOK.
Findings
1. The pilot's licence and medical were valid with no restrictions. 2. The helicopter had a valid C of A and current inspection. 3. The operator's AOC was valid. 4. Robinson R22 Pilot's Operating Handbook Section 10: Safety Notice SN-17 addresses procedures for leaving the aircraft unattended.
Probable Cause
The helicopter was left unattended whilst the engine and the rotors were still running; as a result, the helicopter momentarily lifted off uncommanded before it impacted the ground.