What happened
On 14 August 2006, a Robinson R2-HP Plus helicopter, registration ZS-RFV, was engaged in a game capture operation at Adrianshoop game farm in the Alma district. The mission involved using a new tranquilizing drug to dart various antelopes. During the flight, the crew encountered challenging flying conditions due to highly variable winds. Because the aircraft's ability to hover out of ground effect was dependent on maintaining a nose-into-wind orientation, the changing wind directions forced the crew to abort several attempts.
After a period of resting, the crew resumed the operation and successfully darted two animals. While attempting to locate and dart a Kudu bull, the helicopter was positioned alongside the animal when the pilot realized the aircraft had descended below the tree line. With the throttle at maximum, the pilot attempted a right-hand turn to avoid the obstacles. However, this maneuver placed the aircraft in a downwind condition, leading to a decay in power. The rotor blades struck several trees before the helicopter struck a large tree head-on and rolled onto its left side. The impact caused the passenger to be ejected from the cabin while still attached to his safety harness, and the pilot sustained head injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight dynamics and environmental factors at the time of the accident. Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was operating under a valid Air Operating Certificate and had recently undergone a Mandatory Periodic Inspection. The investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making during the low-level maneuver and the aerodynamic limitations of the aircraft when facing shifting wind vectors during high-power demands.