What happened
On August 27, 1999, at approximately 10:30Z, a Robinson R44, registration ZS-RHU, departed Grand Central Aerodrome as part of a Netstar vehicle-tracking mission. The crew, consisting of a pilot and an observer, had been alerted to a vehicle hijacking in progress, with the suspects heading toward the Soweto area.
After taking off, the helicopter successfully intercepted the fleeing vehicle. While the aircraft was orbiting the scene of the crime, the pilot experienced a sudden loud bang accompanied by intense airframe vibrations and a loss of flight control. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing a single loud noise, which some initially mistakenly believed was a gunshot from the suspects. Other nearby residents observed the helicopter striking power lines.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the impact with the electrical conductors. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the pursuit of the hijacked vehicle and the flight path of the aircraft over the Jambulani area. The inquiry also considered eyewitness accounts regarding the auditory and visual elements of the crash.
Findings
- The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury.
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot became fixated on the ground activity while attempting to monitor the suspects.
- This lack of situational awareness led to a failure to maintain an adequate lookout for overhead hazards, specifically the electrical power lines.