What happened
On December 1, 2000, at approximately 08:50Z, a Hughes 269 C helicopter, registration ZS-RRR, was engaged in a game capture operation on a game farm in the vicinity of Graspan, near Kimberley. While performing duties at low altitude and low airspeed, the pilot encountered insufficient power to clear an approaching treeline. In an attempt to maneuver around the obstacles, the pilot executed a left turn, which further reduced the rotor RPM. This maneuver led to a hard landing, during which the impact caused the main rotor blades to sever the aircraft's tailboom.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight dynamics and the pilot's maneuvers during the final moments of the flight. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the low-altitude flight and the subsequent loss of engine/rotor performance. The inquiry established that the aircraft was operating in favorable meteorological conditions, with winds of approximately 10 knots and clear weather.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the pilot permitted the main rotor RPM to decay to a critical level.
- This loss of rotor speed rendered the pilot unable to maintain effective control of the aircraft.
- The subsequent hard landing resulted in significant structural failure, specifically the separation of the tailboom due to rotor blade contact.