What happened
On the morning of 5 February 2025, a Bell 206L-4 Long Ranger IV helicopter, registration ZS-RAC, departed Rand Airport (FAGM) on a private ferry flight. The intended route was to refuel at Pietersburg Civil Aerodrome (FAPI) and clear customs at Polokwane International Aerodrome (FAPP) before continuing to Zimbabwe.
During the flight, the pilot began noticing several cockpit warnings. Digital records show that at approximately 06:06Z, the oil pressure began to fluctuate, followed by torque fluctuations at 06:11Z. By 06:39Z, the oil temperature began to drop, and a metal chip warning light activated shortly after. Despite these escalating indicators, the flight continued toward the first intended stop. At 07:03Z, the engine failed completely, leading to a crash-landing in bush-type terrain on the border of the Polokwane Game Reserve. The pilot was killed in the accident, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the engine following the accident. A teardown inspection by the manufacturer determined that engine oil had escaped through an orifice in the accessory gearbox. This loss of oil starved the engine of necessary lubrication, triggering a series of high-temperature metal failures and the subsequent engine failure.
Investigators also reviewed maintenance records and communications. Evidence showed the pilot had been in contact with a maintenance engineer via messaging applications during the flight to report the anomalies. The investigation also looked into the compliance of service bulletins and the timing of recent maintenance performed on the engine.