What happened
On 21 December 2001, a student pilot was conducting a training flight at FAGM, specifically performing hovering exercises. The flight began with a takeoff from taxiway 35, during which the pilot climbed to 5,800 feet while turning and reached circuit altitude during the downwind leg. During the maneuver, the pilot observed another aircraft waiting for takeoff clearance at the holding point of Runway 29. In an attempt to avoid the runway area, the pilot decided to land on the grass before crossing the runway threshold. This maneuver resulted in a hard landing.
While there were no injuries to the occupant, the Robinson R22, registered as ZS-REH, suffered substantial damage to its airframe and skid gear.
The investigation
The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid student license with the appropriate type endorsement and possessed a medical certificate that was valid at the time of the occurrence. The aircraft, operated by NAC Rand, was documented as being in a serviceable condition prior to the incident. Meteorological reports indicated that weather conditions were fine during the flight. The investigator noted that no communication records between Air Traffic Control and the helicopter were available for review, and no on-site investigation was performed.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was diverted by the presence of another aircraft at the Runway 29 holding point.
- The decision to land on the grass to avoid the runway threshold led to an improper descent profile.
- The primary cause of the damage was an error in judgment regarding the aircraft's height above the ground.