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Bell 206B Helicopter Crash in KwaZulu-Natal (ZS-RCV)

Nshongweni area northwest of Durban, ZA

On February 9, 2007, a Bell 206B (Helicopter) (registration ZS-RCV) was involved in an aviation accident near Nshongweni area northwest of Durban, ZA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The helicopter collided with terrain during a left-hand descending turn in conditions that could not be associated with visual reference flying, resulting in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Bell 206B helicopter, registration ZS-RCV, crashed into rising terrain in KwaZulu-Natal on 9 February 2007. The sole pilot was killed in the controlled flight into terrain accident.

Accident Overview and Flight History On 9 February 2007, a Bell 206B helicopter with registration ZS-RCV crashed in the Nshongweni area, northwest of Durban, South Africa. The aircraft was operated by National Airways Corporation (Pty) Ltd and owned by Helisetters (Pty) Ltd. The helicopter was chartered to provide aerial photographic services for the Midmar mile, an annual swimming race at Midmar Dam. The pilot departed from Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG) at approximately 1716Z to position the aircraft for filming the following morning. The flight was a night operation, and the pilot established radio contact with Durban International Aerodrome tower at 1730Z, reporting the control zone boundary outbound at 1735Z. No further communications were recorded. Witnesses in the vicinity reported seeing the helicopter at an altitude of 600 to 1,000 feet above ground level before it disappeared into clouds. The aircraft impacted trees and a hillside at approximately 1743Z, resulting in the destruction of the helicopter and the fatal injury of the pilot.

Probable cause

The helicopter collided with terrain during a left-hand descending turn in conditions that could not be associated with visual reference flying, resulting in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 2007 Bell 206B (Helicopter) accident near Nshongweni area northwest of Durban, ZA?

A Bell 206B helicopter, registration ZS-RCV, crashed into rising terrain in KwaZulu-Natal on 9 February 2007. The sole pilot was killed in the controlled flight into terrain accident.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Feb 2007 Bell 206B (Helicopter) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 2007 involved a Bell 206B (Helicopter), registration ZS-RCV, at Nshongweni area northwest of Durban, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The helicopter collided with terrain during a left-hand descending turn in conditions that could not be associated with visual reference flying, resulting in controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).

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