Synopsis
On 10 January 2006, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, registration ZS-RLC, departed Virginia Aerodrome on a solo visual flight rules flight as part of training towards a commercial pilot license. The flight to the general flying area was uneventful. While entering the area, the pilot commenced descending to a lower altitude sooner than briefed. After passing the first bridge, the pilot noticed a black wire spanning left to right approaching rapidly. The pilot attempted to add power but was unable to avoid a collision; the helicopter's skids contacted the wire, causing the helicopter to overturn uncontrollably and crash. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged.
Accident Details
The accident occurred approximately 25 km northwest of Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) at coordinates S 29° 36.3’ E 031° 00.6’. Meteorological conditions at the time included a temperature of 30°C, light wind, good visibility, 6/8 cloud cover with a cloud base at 300 feet. The pilot held a private pilot license, had 223.6 total flying hours, with 161.7 hours on type. The last mandatory periodic inspection was certified on 5 December 2005 at 2296.8 airframe hours; the aircraft had operated 22.3 hours since.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The skids hooked telephone wires, causing the tailboom, tail rotor blades, and tail rotor drive shaft to fail. These components were severed by the main rotor blades and were found a few meters from the main wreckage. The cabin plexiglass was also damaged.
Probable Cause
The South African Civil Aviation Authority determined the probable cause as: The helicopter collided with telephone wires whilst the pilot was descending in the general flying area. A contributory factor was that the pilot failed to maintain a good lookout and did not adhere to the designated referenced landmarks for entering the general flying area by descending too low and too soon than he was briefed.