Overview
On 27 August 1999, at approximately 1050Z, a Robinson R44 helicopter registered ZS-RHU collided with electrical conductors in the Jambulani area of Soweto, South Africa. The helicopter was operated under a commercial category for Netstar vehicle-tracking operations. The flight originated from Grand Central Aerodrome with an intended landing back at the same airport (FAGC).
Sequence of Events
Earlier, at around 1030Z, the two-man crew received information about a hijacked vehicle that was traveling toward Soweto. The helicopter became airborne and intercepted the vehicle a few minutes later. While orbiting the crime scene, the pilot heard a loud bang, followed by airframe vibration and difficulty controlling the helicopter.
Two witnesses on the ground reported hearing a single loud noise, which they initially believed to be a gunshot from the fleeing suspects. Two other eyewitnesses who lived nearby stated that they saw the helicopter colliding with the power lines.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital. The observer was fatally injured in the accident.
Probable Cause
The pilot became fixated with the activity on the ground in the attempt to arrest the suspects and failed to maintain an adequate lookout for hazards, which caused the aircraft to collide with the electrical conductors.