Occurrence
On Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at 0910Z, a Robinson R44 helicopter registered ZS-RMU departed from Virginia Airport (FAVG) on a scenic flight with one pilot and two passengers, intending to return. Concurrently, a Sling 2 aircraft registered ZU-STF, which had earlier taken off from the same airport, was conducting take-off and landing exercises after a flight from Pietermaritzburg Airport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed with clear visibility.
The Near Midair Collision
The ZS-RMU pilot, while at approximately 500 feet above sea level abeam a pond near Beachwood Golf Course, observed a yellow and blue fixed-wing aircraft (ZU-STF) appearing from his 11 o'clock position. He estimated the distance at 20 to 30 meters, at the same altitude, with the fixed-wing descending to cross beneath the helicopter. The helicopter pilot deduced the Sling 2 was turning from base leg to final approach for Runway 05 and initiated an immediate climb to 530 feet, creating separation.
The ZU-STF pilot stated that while turning base to final on his second-to-last circuit, he became aware of the helicopter traffic routing southbound at 500 feet.
ATC Communication
According to ATC recordings, four aircraft were in the circuit sequence: ZS-SBX, ZS-RMU, ZS-RKL, and ZU-STF. The ZU-STF pilot reported his position on right downwind for Runway 05, closer to Umngeni, and confirmed seeing the helicopter traffic at his two o'clock. The ZS-RMU pilot then transmitted that he was on final for Runway 05 and asked if the runway was clear. ATC confirmed the runway clear and provided surface wind, instructing him to reposition for the helipad.
The near miss occurred when ZU-STF was turning from base to final at 500 feet while ZS-RMU was also at 500 feet on final, with horizontal separation of approximately 20 to 30 meters. The ZS-RMU pilot reported receiving no direct traffic advisory from ATC regarding the conflict.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Robinson R44 (ZS-RMU) had accumulated 2,658.6 total hours; its 27-year-old male pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) with 246.1 total hours and 34.2 hours on type. The Sling 2 (ZU-STF) had 3,011.2 total hours; its 21-year-old male pilot held a Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) with 105.4 total hours and 33.9 hours on type. No injuries or damage to either aircraft were reported.
Aerodrome Procedures
Virginia Airport operates with reduced separation minima in the vicinity of the aerodrome during VMC by day, as authorized by the CAA. The ATC personnel issued essential traffic information to all aircraft in the circuit, and pilots reported sighting each other, allowing reduced separation. The applicable regulations include CAR Part 91.06.7 (right-of-way) and CAR Part 91.06.12 (operation on and in vicinity of aerodrome). The circuit pattern for Runway 05 is right-hand, with noise abatement procedures requiring seaward circuits.
Investigation Outcome
This serious incident was investigated by the Accident and Incident Investigations Division. The report is limited to factual details; no probable cause was assigned.