Accident Overview
On 25 October 2002 at 1530Z, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration ZS-HLC, operated as a commercial game capture helicopter, collided with the ground at the Nylsvlei Nature Reserve. The pilot, aged 24, held a valid license with 871 total flying hours, including 752 hours on type. The helicopter was engaged in a game capture operation when the accident occurred.
Sequence of Events
During the operation, the pilot initiated a turn downwind. While turning, the main rotor RPM decayed, and the helicopter subsequently collided with the ground. The weather at the time was fine with a 10-knot northwesterly wind.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot was not injured. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The aircraft had been maintained as prescribed, with the next mandatory periodic inspection due on 25 July 2003 or at 4,362 hours total time, whichever occurred first. Since the last inspection, the aircraft had been operated for 88 hours. The operator held a valid operator's license (No. G 543 D).
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was that the pilot failed to maintain main rotor RPM.