What happened
On 25 March 2024, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-JDB, was conducting a training flight under Part 141 regulations in the Eastern Cape Province. The flight originated from a private farm located approximately 11 nautical miles east of Khowa (Elliot), with the intention of returning to the same location.
During the operation, the pilot landed at a designated landing zone to collect a passenger. Upon landing, the rotor downwash disturbed significant amounts of dust, and the main rotor blades made contact with nearby bushes. The instructor on board took control of the aircraft to lift off from the area. During the subsequent transition to forward flight, a low rotor RPM warning horn sounded. To manage the situation, the instructor landed the aircraft on a nearby road, instructed the passenger to disembark to improve the aircraft's weight and balance for maneuvering, and then repositioned to a more suitable takeoff area.
Following the flight, a post-flight inspection revealed that the main rotor blades had sustained minor damage due to the initial impact with the shrubs. There were no injuries to the two pilots or the passenger on board.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the contact between the rotor blades and the vegetation. The investigation confirmed that the flight crew was properly licensed and medically fit for the operation. The aircraft, ZS-JDB, was found to have a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and was up to date with its mandatory periodic inspections.
Findings
The investigation established that the primary cause of the incident was the main rotor blades impacting a bush near the landing zone. This was further compounded by inadequate or insufficient pre-flight planning regarding the landing site hazards.