History of the Flight
On the morning of 25 September 2005, a fire started on the farm of the pilot-owner of a Robinson R44 Beta II helicopter (registration ZS-RTU). The vegetation was dry, and the fire spread quickly with surface wind assistance. The pilot used the helicopter to fly over the burning area, assess the situation, and direct the ground fire-fighting team. The team leader, well acquainted with the helicopter, reported that earlier the pilot had used the helicopter to herd buffalo to a safe area. There was no two-way radio communication between the helicopter and ground crew; the pilot had to land to discuss fire direction and actions.
During one landing approach, the helicopter flew in a southerly direction over trees approximately 2.5 metres high into an open, level grass-covered field. The team leader observed the landing and saw the tail rotor impact the top of the trees; he then saw what he described as "things" flying from the helicopter's tail.
Accident Sequence
The helicopter's tail swung to the left, rotating about half to three-quarters of a turn. Simultaneously, the nose pitched down, and the helicopter struck the ground with the left-hand forward part of the skid and then the left-hand nose area. The main rotor then contacted the ground. According to the team leader, the helicopter bounced and "somersaulted" before coming to rest on its left side. During the impact, the pilot was thrown from his seat. When the helicopter stopped, he was lying under it with the upper area of the left-hand rear door on his upper back. The team leader cut the still-running engine and tried to lift the helicopter onto its skids but could not.
Shortly after, the pilot's son arrived, used a vehicle to pull the helicopter upright, and rescued the pilot. The pilot's lower legs and ankles were still caught in the safety harness. He was taken to hospital but died a few hours later. The accident occurred at 1035Z in daylight conditions.
Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage. Damage was also caused to the trees.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a 53-year-old male with a Private Helicopter Licence. He had a total of 1181.15 flying hours, with 750.35 hours on type. His medical certificate expired 30 June 2006 and required corrective lenses. He had a previous accident on 30 April 1996 when a skid struck a rock during landing.
Meteorological Information
The fire team leader described surface wind as light north-westerly, with constant direction changes. The official South African Weather Services report indicated wind from 330° at 10 knots, temperature 33°C, visibility CAVOK, and no cloud cover. The satellite imagery showed fine weather in the area.
Site and Location
The accident site was on the farm Dissieplek, Nylstroom, at GPS coordinates S24° 37.602' E028° 21.922'.