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Enstrom 280C Emergency Landing in the Blouberg Mountains (ZS-HNH)

Blouberg Mountains +/- 40 NM west of Louis Trichardt, ZA

On November 27, 2002, an Enstrom 280C (registration ZS-HNH) was involved in an aviation accident near Blouberg Mountains +/- 40 NM west of Louis Trichardt, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Idler Pulley Actuator Arm failed in flight due to high vibration and high strain levels on the actuator arm over a substantial period of time, which resulted in the drive belt pulley becoming slack, resulting in an engine over-speed condition and clutch… This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

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

An Enstrom 280C helicopter made an emergency autorotational landing in the Blouberg Mountains after an in-flight mechanical failure. The pilot was uninjured and later airlifted from the remote site.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 27 November 2002, an Enstrom 280C helicopter registered ZS-HNH was operating a commercial flight from Pietersburg to a helicopter-landing zone in the Blouberg Mountains. The aircraft was carrying one person, the pilot-in-command, who held a private license and had 2,492.6 total flying hours, including 376.5 hours on type. The accident occurred at 1515Z, with the site located approximately 40 nautical miles west of Louis Trichardt at GPS coordinates 23° 04 936' South, 028° 59 573' East. The weather was reported as fine at the time of the incident. No injuries or fatalities were recorded.

Probable cause

The Idler Pulley Actuator Arm failed in flight due to high vibration and high strain levels on the actuator arm over a substantial period of time, which resulted in the drive belt pulley becoming slack, resulting in an engine over-speed condition and clutch warning indication.

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