Accident Overview
On 20 May 2003 at approximately 0900Z, an Enstrom 280C helicopter registered ZS-HRL was involved in an accident on the farm Hartebeeslaagte, 10 nautical miles southwest of Witbank aerodrome. The helicopter was being operated under private category with two persons on board: the pilot and a passenger. The pilot, aged 49, held a private pilot license that was not valid at the time of the accident. His total flying experience was 705.9 hours, of which 447.6 hours were on the Enstrom 280C type.
Flight Details
The flight originated from and was intended to return to Witbank aerodrome. The pilot occupied the left seat, while the passenger, a vehicle tracker, was seated in the right seat with airborne tracking equipment. According to the pilot, the cylinder head temperature (CHT) indication suddenly decreased during the flight. In response, the pilot decided to execute a precautionary landing on an open field.
Accident Sequence
During the approach to land, the helicopter's main rotor blades collided with a telephone pole situated to the right of the aircraft. The helicopter then collided with the ground approximately 12 meters further on. The helicopter sustained substantial damage in the accident. None of the occupants were injured.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions at the time were reported as CAVOK (Ceiling And Visibility OK).
Probable Cause
Following an erroneous CHT indication, the pilot attempted to carry out a precautionary landing on an open field but failed to notice telephone lines and a wooden telephone pole to the right of the aircraft. A main rotor strike followed which rendered the helicopter uncontrollable and resulted in a subsequent collision with the ground 12m further on.