Robinson R44 Astro Accident at Randfontein, South Africa (ZS-RKW)

Incident Overview and Flight History On 3 December 2006, a Robinson R44 Astro helicopter, registration ZS-RKW, operated by TJC Investments CC, experienced an accident at an open field in Randfontein, South Africa. The aircraft was on a private flight from a smallholding in Randfontein to Wonderboom Aerodrome. The pilot, a 48-year-old South African male, took off at approximately 1300Z with two passengers. He had previously flown from Wonderboom to Randfontein earlier that day for a business meeting. The pilot reported performing a pre-flight inspection and a mental weight and balance calculation before the return flight. During the departure, the helicopter was established in a hover within ground effect. As the pilot increased the collective pitch to clear a 3-foot fence, a low rotor RPM warning sounded. The pilot attempted to level the helicopter and descend into ground effect, but the aircraft impacted the ground, causing the skid gear to collapse. The helicopter skidded approximately 2 meters on its lower fuselage before coming to a stop. No injuries were reported among the pilot and two passengers, and there was no fire. The aircraft sustained damage to the skids and lower fuselage.