Accident Overview
On 6 November 2000, at approximately 1400Z, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration ZS-RHC, was involved in an accident on a mountain between Nelspruit and Barberton, South Africa. The pilot and a passenger were on a private flight from Nelspruit to Sodwana. The flight was uneventful until just before crossing the mountain range, when the pilot suddenly experienced a loss of power and was unable to maintain altitude.
Emergency Landing
The pilot executed an autorotational landing. Due to the steep slope of the mountain, the helicopter rolled over after touchdown. The accident occurred at a geographical position of S25°45’919” – E031°11’780” at an elevation of approximately 4250 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). Weather conditions were reported as fine, and the accident took place during daylight hours.
Injuries and Damage
Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained injuries. The helicopter sustained damage as a result of the rollover.
Probable Cause
According to the official report, the probable cause of the accident was the down draught on the lee side of the mountain ridge, which caused the helicopter to lose height to a point where the pilot was unable to clear high ground and had to perform an emergency landing. The helicopter rolled over due to the slope of the terrain. Additionally, the effect of the aircraft being overloaded was considered a significant contributory factor.
Pilot Experience
The pilot held a valid private pilot license with a total of 210 flight hours, all on the Robinson R22 type.