Accident
On 20 April 2000, at approximately 1500Z, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration ZS-RHP, was involved in an accident at Phokeng near Rustenburg, South Africa. The pilot was practising quick stop manoeuvres. According to the pilot, during the eighth and final quick stop, the lower tail fin/stinger assembly struck the ground. This impact caused the tailboom assembly to bend upwards, and the main rotor blades subsequently severed the tailboom. The tailboom broke off, and the helicopter swung through 180°, coming to a halt while moving rearwards on its skids, which then broke off.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The helicopter was a Bell 206B. The pilot held a private pilot licence and had 484.0 total flying hours. The operation was private. The flight departed from and intended to land at Phokeng near Rustenburg.
Weather and Occupants
Meteorological conditions were reported as fine. There was one person on board. No injuries or fatalities occurred.
Probable Cause
The probable cause determined by the South African Civil Aviation Authority was that the pilot executed the manoeuvre at a too low altitude above ground level, not allowing sufficient tail rotor clearance for the high nose-up attitude attained during such a manoeuvre.