What happened
On April 20, 2001, a private flight was underway near the Steytlatelyville area, specifically around Farm Goedehoop. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, was operating a Hughes 269C, registration ZS-HIJ, during a routine flight over a game farm. During the flight, the crew observed a buck that appeared to be unwell. In an effort to get a more detailed view of the animal, the pilot initiated a descent.
During this maneuver, the helicopter's skid gear struck a telephone wire. Following the impact, the pilot performed a forced landing. However, because the landing site featured uneven terrain, the aircraft rolled over upon touchdown. While the helicopter suffered substantial damage, there were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
Investigators examined the operational conditions and the aircraft's configuration at the time of the incident. The weather was reported as calm with a temperature of approximately 23°C at an elevation of 2,800 feet. The aircraft's weight was calculated at 1,641 lbs, which was 409 lbs below the maximum certified takeoff mass specified in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook. The pilot held a valid private license and possessed 1,600 hours of total flying experience, all of which were on this specific type of aircraft. Records indicated this was the pilot's first involvement in an accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to avoid collision with wires.
- The descent was motivated by an attempt to observe an ill animal more closely.
- The rollover during the forced landing was a result of the uneven ground surface at the landing site.