Accident Details
On 9 September 2000, at approximately 1530Z, a Robinson R22 helicopter (registration ZS-HWD) was involved in an accident while operating in the Messina Nature Reserve. The aircraft was owned and operated by Gamework Helicopters (operator number G496D). The weather at the time was reported as fine.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The helicopter was a Robinson R22. The pilot, aged 28, held a valid commercial pilot license and had accumulated 2000 total flying hours, with 850 hours on type.
Narrative
According to the pilot's account, he was engaged in a game capture operation within the reserve. During the activity, the pilot allowed the helicopter's tail rotor to make contact with a tree. This contact resulted in a failure of the tail rotor. Subsequently, the helicopter yawed violently to the right and struck a tree. The helicopter had one occupant (the pilot), and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined the probable cause to be that the pilot allowed the tail rotor to strike a tree while busy with a game capture detail.