What happened
On the evening of 9 February 2007, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration ZS-RCV, departed Virginia Aerodrome for a night flight to Midmar Dam near Howick. The mission was a commercial charter intended to provide aerial photography services for an upcoming annual swimming race.
After departing at approximately 1716Z, the pilot communicated with Durban International tower, reporting the aircraft outbound from the control zone by 1735Z. However, the flight ended in tragedy near the Nshontweni area. Data from the aircraft's GPS indicated that the helicopter was performing a series of left-hand turns when it struck trees and a hillside. The impact was severe, destroying the aircraft and resulting in one fatality.