What happened
On 20 November 2002, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration ZS-RIK, was conducting a game and livestock culling operation in the Northern Province, near Ellisras. During the mission, the helicopter exhausted its fuel supply, prompting the pilot to land at Buffelsdrift farm. To continue the operation, the aircraft owner refueled the helicopter using fuel drawn from drums.
Shortly after the second takeoff, the aircraft encountered significant engine instability approximately 100 meters from the departure point. The engine began running roughly, accompanied by a low rotor RPM warning. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot tried to perform a downwind landing, but the maneuver resulted in a hard landing. The impact caused the helicopter's skids to collapse and led to the main rotor striking dense vegetation.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the refueling process. While the pilot held a valid commercial license, a current medical certificate, and the necessary ratings for the operation, the investigation examined the fuel source used during the field refuel. Maintenance records indicated that the Robinson R22 Beta had been properly maintained, with the most recent periodic inspection completed in September 2002.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine malfunction was the use of contaminated fuel.
- The fuel drums used for the mid-mission refueling contained water contamination.
- The weather at the time of the accident was clear with no cloud cover and light easterly winds.
- There were no fatalities or injuries sustained by the pilot or the passenger during the incident.