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Casualties unknown

2000-12-01: Hughes 269C (ZS-RRR) — Graspan – Near Kimberly, ZA

Graspan – Near Kimberly, ZA

On December 1, 2000, a Hughes 269C (registration ZS-RRR) was involved in an aviation accident near Graspan – Near Kimberly, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot allowed the main rotor rpm to decay to a point where he was unable to control the helicopter and subsequently impacted hard on the ground. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 1785709791Data APIEditorial standards

A Hughes 269 C helicopter, registration ZS-RRR, was damaged in a hard landing during a game capture detail near Kimberley. The pilot reported low rotor RPM and a hard impact, severing the tailboom. No injuries occurred.

Accident Details

On 1 December 2000, at approximately 0850Z, a Hughes 269 C helicopter (registration ZS-RRR) operated by Thaba Manzi (permit G534D) was involved in an accident on a game farm near Kimberley. The pilot, a 29-year-old commercial pilot with 1956 total flying hours, was conducting a game capture detail. The weather was fine with wind around 10 knots.

According to the pilot, he was flying "low and slow" and reported having "no power left" to clear trees he was approaching. He initiated a left turn, which further decreased main rotor RPM. The helicopter subsequently made a hard landing, during which the main rotor blades severed the tailboom. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.

The two occupants (pilot and one passenger) were not injured.

Probable Cause

The pilot allowed the main rotor RPM to decay to a point where he was unable to control the helicopter, leading to a hard impact with the ground.

Loss of control in flight

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