What happened
On June 10, 2001, a Robinson R-22 Beta helicopter, registered ZS-HVX, was involved in a fatal ground accident at Farm Lillyfontein in the Weenen area. The pilot, who owned the game farm, had permitted a group of hunters to conduct a game drive on the property. During the visit, a passenger in the group requested a short flight to celebrate her birthday. The pilot agreed to perform the flight later in the afternoon once his other scheduled recreational duties were complete.
Upon the pilot's return to the farm, he observed the passenger waiting near the aircraft. As she began walking toward the helicopter, the pilot noticed her approaching from the 5 o’clock position, near the tail rotor. Although the pilot attempted to signal a warning to his co-passenger to keep watch, he subsequently disembarked the aircraft. While the pilot was still at the aircraft, he felt a vibration through the airframe and realized the passenger had made contact with the tail rotor. The impact struck the passenger in the face, and although she remained alive for approximately 40 minutes, she later succumbed to her injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach to the stationary aircraft. The investigation established that the pilot had not provided the passenger with any safety briefing regarding how to safely approach a helicopter or the specific dangers posed by the tail rotor.
Findings
- The passenger failed to maintain an adequate lookout while approaching the aircraft.
- The individual approached the helicopter from the rear-danger zone, specifically the area between the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions.
- The passenger walked into the rotating tail rotor, resulting in a fatal collision.