Accident Details
On 2 April 2001 at 0930Z, a Robinson R22 helicopter (registration ZS-HUJ) was involved in an accident at Rietvlei in the Lydenburg district. The pilot, aged 59, held a valid private pilot license with 6,430 total flying hours, including 2,750 hours on type. The aircraft was owned by Boschrand Property Holdings.
Flight History
According to the pilot, he flew from Nelspruit to Kudu Ranch (Lydenburg district) to assist a friend in locating a wounded kudu. He refueled the helicopter before departure at Nelspruit. The pilot and his passenger then took off from Kudu Ranch to the neighboring farm Rietvlei to search for the wounded animal. After landing at Rietvlei, the pilot drained approximately 30 liters of fuel from the aircraft, citing the hot temperature (28°C) and high altitude (approximately 4,200 ft) as reasons.
Take-off and Accident
The pilot and passenger cut down several shrubs in the clearing to allow for a longer take-off run before the tree line. The pilot initially took off solo and positioned the helicopter at the far end of the clearing on the southern side, as the wind was from the north and the ground sloped downward to the north. The pilot then performed a low-power take-off with his passenger. As the helicopter cleared the trees, the pilot reported being unable to maintain altitude despite adjusting the collective. The main rotor struck trees, and the helicopter impacted the ground.
Eyewitness Report
An eyewitness on the ground noted that the wind direction had changed during the take-off.
Injuries and Damage
Both the pilot and passenger sustained injuries. There were no fatalities. The helicopter was damaged.
Meteorological Conditions
The weather was reported as fine, with a temperature of 28°C, partly cloudy skies, and good visibility.
Probable Cause
The accident can be attributed to a combination of loss of lift over the trees, over weight (due to the “hot” and “high” condition) and a change in wind direction.