What happened
On the morning of 12 February 2002, a Hughes 369D helicopter, registration ZS-HWY, was participating in a South African Police crime prevention operation in Weenen. The mission involved using two helicopters to spray marijuana crops with herbicide. After completing an initial hour of spraying, the aircraft returned to its temporary base to replenish its herbicide supply.
Upon returning to the field, the pilot observed that the second helicopter had already resumed its spraying pattern. To minimize time, the pilot decided to execute a straight-in approach. During this final approach, the aircraft flew over a line of high trees. Suddenly, a loud bang occurred, and an object pierced the right side of the cabin. The aircraft's nose pitched downward sharply, between 80 and 90 degrees, leading to a ground impact at a local sports field. There were no fatalities, though one person was injured during the crash.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight path and the circumstances of the approach. While previous days of the operation had utilized southern approaches, evidence from ground personnel suggested this specific approach was made from the north. Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, approximately 0500Z, were favorable, with good visibility and no wind.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to observe an elevated stadium floodlight structure during the final approach.
- The structure was obscured from the pilot's view by the right-hand side of the instrument panel.
- The collision with the light pole on the right side of the cabin resulted in an immediate loss of aircraft control.