What happened
On the evening of 7 March 2023, a Robinson R66 helicopter, registration ZT-RHB, was conducting a private night flight from Witbank Airport in Mpumalanga. The flight, which included two pilots and one passenger, was traveling toward Ultimate Heliport in Gauteng with a final destination of Rand Airport. The flight was operating under visual flight rules in clear night conditions.
While traversing the area near the Barnstormers Model Flying Club in Kempton Park, the aircraft struck an unidentified object. The crew reported that the object was not visible prior to impact because its navigation lights were not active. Following the collision, the crew notified O.R. Tambo International Airport tower control, though authorities could not confirm the presence of any remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) in the vicinity at that time.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the impact. Upon arriving at the intended stop at Ultimate Heliport, the crew performed a post-collision inspection. The investigation confirmed that the Robinson R66 sustained no structural damage, though investigators noted yellow paint transfers on the front of the lower cowling. The collision occurred at an altitude of approximately 960 feet above ground level.
Findings
- The collision was caused by an unidentified object striking the helicopter in controlled airspace.
- The crew was unable to see the object before impact because it lacked active navigation lights.
- There were no injuries to the three occupants on board, and no persons on the ground were harmed.
- The aircraft's maintenance and airworthiness records were found to be in order, with the most recent periodic inspection having been completed well within the required timeframe.