Accident Summary
On 11 May 2001, at approximately 1515 Z, a Robinson R-44 helicopter, registration ZS-RLT, sustained extensive damage during an accident on taxiway Mkuze aerodrome. The private pilot, accompanied by his wife and child, was conducting a private flight from FAGM to Mkuze Falls Game Lodge. The pilot had landed at Mkuze at 1430 Z to refuel before proceeding to the lodge.
Sequence of Events
After refueling at approximately 1500 Z, the pilot commenced engine start-up while parked on the taxiway adjacent to runway 17/35. He performed the start-up checklist, which includes testing the low rpm warning system. This test requires the pilot to lift the collective lever slightly while rolling off the throttle to verify the warning functions correctly.
During this procedure, the helicopter inadvertently became airborne and began rotating to the left. Instead of landing back immediately, the pilot attempted to maintain a hover and further raised the collective lever. The tail-boom then contacted the ground, and a portion of it was severed by the main rotor blades. The helicopter came to rest on its right-hand side.
Damage and Occupants
The helicopter was extensively damaged, but no injuries were reported among the three occupants (pilot and two passengers) or any bystanders.
Probable Cause
The helicopter inadvertently became airborne while the pilot was testing the low-rpm warning system and lifted the collective lever without rolling off the throttle sufficiently.