What happened
On 10 April 2025, a student pilot was performing solo training circuits at Rand Airport, Gauteng. The flight, conducted under Part 141 regulations, involved take-offs and landings on a grass strip located south-east of the inactive Runway 29. The weather was clear with excellent visibility.
Following an initial successful circuit with an instructor, the student pilot attempted a solo approach. The pilot initially flew too high above the landing zone, prompting a go-around. During the subsequent attempt, the pilot overshot the landing area and performed an abrupt stop. This maneuver caused the Robinson R44 Raven II, registration ZS-RVG, to yaw to the right. The aircraft entered a spin and struck the ground tail-first while rotating clockwise. The impact resulted in the destruction of the helicopter, including a sheared tail rotor blade, a bent tail boom, and a broken main rotor blade.
While the pilot sustained no visible injuries, he was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation.
The investigation
Investigators from the SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and the flight circumstances. The post-accident inspection of the Robinson R44 Raven II revealed no mechanical defects in the engine or flight controls; all observed damage was consistent with the forces of the ground impact. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance records, including its Certificate of Airworthiness and Release to Service, were valid, and no prior defects had been reported.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the loss of control resulting from insufficient left pedal input, which induced a rightward yaw and subsequent spin.
- The pilot's attempt to stop the helicopter abruptly after overshooting the landing zone contributed to the loss of directional control.
- Meteorological conditions were favorable and were not a contributing factor to the event.
- The student pilot had not flown for seven days prior to the accident due to previous poor weather.