Hughes 269C Accident at Farm Goedehoop (ZS-HIJ)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 20 April 2001 at 1200Z, a Hughes 269C helicopter with registration ZS-HIJ was involved in an accident at Farm Goedehoop in the Steytlerville area. The aircraft was privately owned and operated by Mr. H. Barnard. The pilot-in-command held a private licence and had 1,600 total flying hours, all on the same type. The helicopter was carrying one pilot and one passenger. ## Flight Sequence and Accident Description The pilot and passenger were conducting a private flight over a game farm when they observed a buck that appeared to be ill. To get a closer look, the pilot descended, which resulted in the skid gear colliding with a telephone wire. A forced landing was subsequently carried out, but due to the uneven terrain, the helicopter rolled over upon touchdown. ## Damage, Injuries, and Contributing Factors The helicopter sustained substantial damage, but neither the pilot nor the passenger was injured. The aircraft's weight at the time of the accident was calculated at 1,641 lbs, which was 409 lbs below the maximum certified take-off mass specified in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook. Meteorological conditions at the time were fine, with calm winds, a temperature of +23°C, and an elevation of approximately 2,800 feet above mean sea level. According to South African Civil Aviation Authority records, this was the first accident involving the pilot.