What happened
On the morning of 3 November 2006, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration ZS-RKF, departed from McRest Camp in the North West Province for a local photography mission. The pilot, accompanied by his wife, intended to capture aerial images of kudu on the nearby farm. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck power lines that were positioned approximately 6.3m above the ground level.
Following the impact, the helicopter's main rotor blades struck the earth, causing the aircraft to roll onto its left side. The collision resulted in one injury, specifically two fractured ribs sustained by the passenger. The pilot remained uninjured. The aircraft suffered substantial damage to the tail boom, the main rotor, the left-hand skid, and the cabin structure.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the aircraft was properly maintained and held a valid certificate of airworthiness. The pilot was found to be properly licensed and medically fit for the operation. The investigation examined the wreckage and found evidence of severe impact on the left side of the tail boom and rotational scoring consistent with the rotor's movement upon impact. Meteorological conditions at the time were clear with good visibility, though the sun's position was a factor noted by the pilot.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with power lines during the initial climb.
- The pilot's vision was obscured by the low morning sun, which prevented the detection of the wires spanning the flight path.
- The pilot failed to maintain an adequate lookout during the takeoff phase.
- There were no mechanical defects or malfunctions identified in the Robinson R22 Beta that contributed to the event.