2023 Robinson R44 crash in Emalahleni (ZS-RXY)

Overview and Flight Details On 30 September 2023, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-RXY, was involved in an accident during a commercial charter flight. The aircraft, serial number 10910, was operating under Part 127 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The flight was intended to travel from One United Sports ground in Pine Ridge, Emalahleni, Mpumalanga Province, to Burgersfort in Limpopo Province. ## Sequence of Events The pilot, a 61-year-old male holding a Commercial Pilot Licence, had collected two passengers from Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome (FAPI) earlier that morning and refueled at Groblersdal Aerodrome (FAGL). After landing at the sports ground, the passengers disembarked and returned approximately 20 minutes later to request the flight to Burgersfort. At 1520Z, the helicopter lifted off. While approximately 30 feet above ground level at a forward speed of approximately 25 knots, the main rotor RPM light illuminated, followed by an audio warning buzzer. The helicopter lost height and crash-landed on Gazania Street in the Pine Ridge suburb before rolling over to the right. The rotor blades struck the ground during the roll, and the aircraft came to rest on its right side. ## Injuries and Damage All three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—disembarked through the left front door and windscreen. They were taken to Emalahleni Hospital for medical assessment and were later released without injury. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. ## Investigation Findings The investigation determined that the pilot was properly licensed and medically fit, and the helicopter was airworthy with all applicable maintenance requirements met. The probable cause was identified as a decay in main rotor RPM during the climb-out phase before the aircraft reached an airspeed of 50 knots, as outlined in the height-velocity diagram. This resulted in a loss of lift and the subsequent crash-landing. A contributing factor was low-level operation within the danger area of the height-velocity diagram.