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Serious Incident Involving Robinson R44 and Sling 4 at Grand Central Aerodrome (ZT-RFJ and ZU-TEX)

Early left downwind Runway 35 helicopter circuit at Grand Central Aerodrome, Gauteng, ZA

On August 20, 2024, a Robinson R44 II and Sling 4 (registration ZT-RFJ and ZU-TEX) was involved in an aviation accident near Early left downwind Runway 35 helicopter circuit at Grand Central Aerodrome, Gauteng, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The air traffic control officer permitted the Sling 4 test pilot to conduct an early left turn after take-off while the R44 helicopter was in the left circuit for Runway 35 but did not warn the flight instructor on the R44 of the Sling 4's proximity. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-13Data APIEditorial standards

On 20 August 2024, a Sling 4 cut in front of a Robinson R44 helicopter during a training flight at Grand Central Aerodrome, South Africa, resulting in reduced separation.

Incident Overview and Context On 20 August 2024, a serious incident occurred at Grand Central Aerodrome (FAGC) in Gauteng Province, South Africa, involving a Robinson R44 II helicopter (registration ZT-RFJ) and a Sling 4 aircraft (registration ZU-TEX). The helicopter was conducting a circuit training flight under Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, while the Sling 4 was on a test flight under Part 148. Both aircraft were operating under visual flight rules (VFR) during the day. The incident was classified as a Category 2 serious incident by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID). No injuries or damage to either aircraft were reported.

Probable cause

The air traffic control officer permitted the Sling 4 test pilot to conduct an early left turn after take-off while the R44 helicopter was in the left circuit for Runway 35 but did not warn the flight instructor on the R44 of the Sling 4's proximity. The test pilot subsequently lost sight of the helicopter and cut in front of it, resulting in reduced aerodrome separation.

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