What happened
On August 29, 2003, at approximately 0730Z, a Robinson R22 Beta, registration ZS-RCX, was involved in an accident at Farm Nyatilulu in the Phalaborwa area. The helicopter had been transported to the game farm via trailer for use in an upcoming game capture operation.
Prior to flight, the aircraft's skid gear assembly had been secured to the trailer using several clamps. The pilot intended to remove these attachments and verify their removal before attempting takeoff. During the process of unlatching the clamps, the pilot's attention was diverted by an external interruption. Consequently, the pilot attempted to take off while the front right skid remained attached to the trailer. This caused the aircraft to roll over to the right during the takeoff attempt. There were no injuries reported, though the aircraft suffered substantial damage.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the takeoff and the configuration of the aircraft on the trailer. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial pilot's license with the appropriate type rating and a valid Culling/Livestock Rating. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that the most recent Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) had been completed on August 12, 2003, at 2,866.2 airframe hours.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the failure to remove the front right skid/trailer attachment clamp.
- The pilot's attention was diverted by an individual calling to him while he was performing the pre-flight removal of the transport clamps.
- The physical constraint of the remaining clamp caused a dynamic rollover to the right during the takeoff roll.