What happened
On 2 October 2005, a Messerschmitt Bolkow Blohm MBB BO 105-S helicopter, registration ZS-RMR, was deployed from George to respond to a serious road accident on the Langkлоof road near Haarlem. The flight, operated by AMS Air Ambulance (Red Cross), carried a pilot and two paramedics. The crew arrived at the accident site at approximately 1640Z, landing on the road to attend to a critically injured patient.
After stabilizing the patient, the helicopter departed the scene at 1750Z to transport the individual to a hospital in George. During the return leg, at approximately 1830Z, the aircraft struck mountainous terrain near Haarlem. The impact and subsequent fire destroyed the helicopter and caused the deaths of all four occupants: the pilot, two paramedics, and the patient.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the flight path, weather conditions, and operational protocols. The investigation established that the aircraft was airworthy and the pilot held valid commercial, instrument, and night ratings, though he had limited experience on this specific aircraft type.
Investigators noted that while the provincial health department had previously instructed the operator to avoid night flying for missions heading to accident scenes, this instruction did not explicitly address return flights. The investigation also reviewed the operator's compliance with Part 138 regulations and the maintenance records of the aircraft and its engines.
Findings
- The accident was a controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- The flight took place during the night, approximately 120 minutes after sunset and 50 minutes after moonset.
- The aircraft was operating in poor weather conditions, likely involving partly cloudy skies and isolated thundershowers.
- The pilot likely experienced spatial disorientation while navigating the mountains.
- The terrain at the impact site was steep, with gradients ranging from 30 to 45 degrees.
Safety action
- It is recommended that the SACAA mandate a minimum level of experience for pilots performing medivac or mercy flights, specifically ensuring familiarity with the local terrain.
- Operators should be required to ensure pilots obtain and are proficient in interpreting detailed weather reports from the SA Weather Services before commencing flights, particularly in coastal regions.