Accident Overview
On 19 December 2000 at 0540 local time, a Bell 206L-4 helicopter, registration ZS-REG, departed President Steyn Goldmine near Welkom, South Africa, on an industrial aid flight to Rand Refineries near Rand Airport. Approximately 5 minutes after takeoff, the pilot chose to simulate an approach down to 20 feet and subsequently transition to hovering flight. During this maneuver, the pilot unexpectedly encountered a loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). The pilot then executed an emergency landing in an open field. The helicopter sustained damage, but neither the pilot nor the sole passenger were injured. The main rotor blades were removed, and the helicopter was transported by road to a maintenance facility at Rand Airport.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a Bell 206L-4 helicopter, registration ZS-REG. The pilot held a Commercial Pilot License, which was valid, and had accumulated 1390.8 total flying hours, with 749.9 hours on type. The operation was classified as industrial aid. The weather at the time was reported as fine with a northeast wind of 10 to 15 knots.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined the probable cause to be: Due to the loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE) the pilot lost directional control of the helicopter followed by a hard landing, causing damage to the helicopter.