Incident Overview
On 7 December 2013 at approximately 1500Z, a Robinson R66 helicopter, registration ZS-ROO, operated privately by the pilot-owner, was involved in an incident at Buffelsberg Farm near Middleburg, Eastern Cape. The flight, which originated from Port Shepstone Aerodrome in KwaZulu-Natal, was a private solo flight under visual flight rules (VFR) by day. The pilot reported CAVOK weather conditions with a wind speed of 2 knots.
Sequence of Events
During the flight, the pilot realized that the fuel level was approaching minimum and decided to execute a precautionary landing. On final approach to the farm, the helicopter's main rotor mast fairing collided with Eskom power lines that were approximately 12 meters high. The pilot immediately lost hydraulics but was able to maintain enough control to land the helicopter in the bush approximately 30 meters from the wires. The pilot sustained no injuries. The aircraft came to rest upright in a bush area, and there was no pre- or post-impact fire.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained damage to the main rotor blades, mast fairing, skids, and the hydraulic system. The Eskom power lines were also damaged. No other damage was reported. The aircraft had only 29.34 total airframe hours since new and was properly maintained with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the incident was that the aircraft collided with Eskom power lines during a precautionary landing. A contributing factor was that the pilot failed to maintain an adequate lookout, having become complacent due to familiarity with the landing site over more than 20 years.