Incident Overview
On 7 March 2023 at 1745Z, a Robinson R66 helicopter, registered ZT-RHB, was conducting a private flight under Visual Flight Rules by night. The flight originated from Witbank Airport (FAWI) in Mpumalanga Province, with an intended stop at Ultimate Heliport in Gauteng Province before proceeding to Rand Airport (FAGM) for a full stop landing. A passenger was to be dropped off at Ultimate Heliport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that the helicopter was cleared by O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAOR) tower control on frequency 118.1 MHz to cruise at an altitude of 6000 feet on the northern side of FAWI en route to Ultimate Heliport. While flying over Barnstormers Model Flying Club in Kempton Park, an unidentified object collided with the helicopter. The pilot flying stated that none of the occupants saw the object because its navigation lights were not switched on. The crew reported the incident to FAOR tower control, which indicated no knowledge of any remotely piloted aircraft in that area.
After reaching Ultimate Heliport and dropping off the passenger, the crew inspected the helicopter and found yellow paint markings on the front of the lower cowling. There was no damage to the helicopter, and no persons were injured. The crew then continued the flight to FAGM.
Findings
- The pilot held a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued on 6 May 2022, with an expiry date of 31 May 2023. His Class 1 medical certificate was issued on 30 January 2023, valid until 31 January 2024, with no medical restrictions.
- The helicopter's mandatory periodic inspection was performed on 9 November 2022 at 1032 airframe hours. The next inspection was due on 9 November 2023 or at 1132 airframe hours, whichever occurred first. The helicopter had operated 44 hours since the last inspection.
- The Certificate of Airworthiness was originally issued on 5 May 2017 and was valid until 31 May 2023.
- The helicopter sustained only yellow paint markings on the airframe; no damage occurred.
- The collision occurred at an elevation of 5040 feet, approximately 960 feet above ground level at Barnstormers.
- The Aviation Security Division was notified.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the serious incident was an unidentified object colliding with the helicopter in controlled airspace.