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2002 Bell 206B Cargo Sling Exercise Accident at Cape Town (ZS-HDV and ZS-HJY)

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, ZA

On January 12, 2002, a Bell 206 B (registration ZS-HDV and ZS-HJY) was involved in an aviation accident near V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot flying the aircraft positioned to the right allowed the aircraft to drift off to the right of its reference point sufficiently to stretch the rope, which became taut, resulting in a dynamic roll-over of both aircraft. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

Two Bell 206B helicopters, ZS-HDV and ZS-HJY, rolled over during a tethered cargo sling exercise at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, on 11 April 2002. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Overview and Operation Details On 11 April 2002, two Bell 206B helicopters, registered ZS-HDV and ZS-HJY, were involved in an accident during a cargo sling exercise at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The operation was conducted by the WIN Helicopter Company, which had been approached by a stunt company to assess the feasibility of a person moving between two helicopters in flight using a rope. ## Accident Sequence The two helicopters were connected by a 32-meter rope attached to their cargo sling hook mechanisms. The aircraft were parked approximately 14 meters apart, with the cable routed under the skid gear and angled forward. The left aircraft lifted off first and hovered at approximately 12 feet, followed by the right aircraft. The right aircraft drifted to the right, stretching the rope taut and causing both aircraft to roll over. The pilot of the left aircraft, who was focused on maintaining a steady hover, experienced a violent roll to the left and was unable to release the cable or regain control. ## Probable Cause The accident was attributed to the pilot of the right aircraft allowing the helicopter to drift off its reference point, which stretched the rope taut and resulted in a dynamic roll-over of both aircraft.

Loss of control in flight

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jan 2002 Bell 206 B accident near V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, ZA?

Two Bell 206B helicopters, ZS-HDV and ZS-HJY, rolled over during a tethered cargo sling exercise at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, on 11 April 2002. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jan 2002 Bell 206 B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jan 2002 involved a Bell 206 B, registration ZS-HDV and ZS-HJY, at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot flying the aircraft positioned to the right allowed the aircraft to drift off to the right of its reference point sufficiently to stretch the rope, which became taut, resulting in a dynamic roll-over of both aircraft.

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