What happened
On the morning of 8 July 2023, a Hughes 269C helicopter, registration ZS-HEW, was conducting a private surveillance flight over Vaalkrans Game Farm near Makhanda in the Eastern Cape. The flight, operated under Part 91 regulations, included a pilot and one passenger. During the mission, the pilot climbed to an altitude of approximately 300 to 400 feet above ground level while maintaining an airspeed of roughly 50 knots.
As the aircraft entered a right-hand turn, it began to descend. Although the pilot was aware of power lines spanning a nearby valley at an altitude of about 100 feet, the helicopter ultimately struck the lines head-on while flying straight and level. The impact caused the right windshield and a transparent overhead panel to crack or break. Despite the collision, the pilot successfully maintained rotor RPM and managed to land the aircraft approximately 15 and 150 meters from the impact site. During the landing, the main rotor blades made contact with a small shrub, causing minor damage. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries among the occupants.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances of the collision and the condition of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence and was medically fit for the flight. The aircraft was found to be airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and recent maintenance completed in June 2023. Meteorological conditions were clear with good visibility and no contributing weather factors.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the pilot failed to maintain a proper lookout during low-level flight.
- A contributing factor was the failure to maintain a safe altitude above obstacles.
- The impact with the power lines resulted in severed cables and damage to the helicopter's flight control rods and windshield.
- The pilot was not wearing a helmet at the time of the occurrence.