What happened
On 15 November 2002, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration ZS-RBK, was conducting a dual training flight departing from and returning to Wonderboom Airport (FAWB). During the flight, the student pilot was performing hovering maneuvers over the helipad located east of runway 06. During these exercises, the aircraft experienced a rightward yaw. In an attempt to correct the movement, the student pilot applied full right rudder pedal input. Although the instructor pilot immediately responded with full left rudder to stabilize the aircraft, the yaw could not be stopped. This resulted in the main rotor blades striking the ground, causing the helicopter to roll over.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the flight and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was being operated by a registered Aviation Training Organisation. The instructor pilot held a valid commercial license, a Group III instructor rating, and a current medical certificate. Records indicated that the aircraft had been maintained according to regulations, having flown only 21.4 hours since its last maintenance inspection. There were no injuries reported among the two occupants, though the aircraft suffered extensive damage.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the instructor's inability to arrest the yaw after the student pilot applied full right rudder input instead of the necessary left rudder to compensate for the initial rightward yaw.