What happened
On 14 January 2006, a Robinson R44, registration ZS-REM, was conducting a private flight near Sutherland. The aircraft departed from a local farm, initially heading east before the pilot initiated a left turn to transition toward a westerly direction. During this maneuver, the aircraft was flying at an altitude of approximately 50 to 60 feet above the ground with an airspeed of roughly 45 knots.
As the turn progressed, the pilot noted the helicopter drifting sideways toward the right side. In an effort to maintain control and regain power, the pilot increased the collective pitch and pushed the cyclic forward to recover forward airspeed. However, the pilot observed the main rotor RPM dropping significantly. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground and rolled onto its right side. While the two passengers escaped without injury, the pilot required hospitalization for one day.
The investigation
Investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and its maintenance history. The last Mandatory Periodic Inspection (MPI) for the Robinson R44 had been completed on 02 August 2005, at 3100 airframe hours. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated an additional 97.7 flight hours since that inspection.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed the oversight of the Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) responsible for the aircraft. Records indicated that the CAA airworthiness department had audited the AMO in early 2005, and the organization's license had been renewed through December 2006.