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Bell 206 B Helicopter Accident at Rand Aerodrome on 10 February 2007 (ZS-HDW)

Open grass area to the west of Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA

On February 10, 2007, a Bell 206 B Helicopter (registration ZS-HDW) was involved in an aviation accident near Open grass area to the west of Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The helicopter experienced a vortex ring state and a hard landing resulted due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered ZS-HDW
Aircraft registered ZS-HDW. Photo: Bob Adams from George, South Africa / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Bell 206 B helicopter, registration ZS-HDW, experienced a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while hovering at Rand Aerodrome, resulting in a hard landing and tail boom damage. No injuries were reported.

History of Flight

On 10 February 2007, a Bell 206 B helicopter (registration ZS-HDW) operated by Henley Air (Pty) Ltd. was on a private flight with the pilot and four passengers. The flight returned to Rand Aerodrome (FAGM). The pilot received landing clearance but was instructed to remain north of Runway 11/29 and west of Runway 17/35. While hovering in an easterly direction waiting for another aircraft to land on Runway 35, the helicopter began to yaw to the right. Despite applying full left pedal, the yaw continued and developed into a spin. The tail rotor struck the ground, and the helicopter came to rest upright on its skids facing north. The aft portion of the tail boom separated.

Injuries and Damage

The pilot and four passengers sustained no injuries. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and tail rotor. No other property was damaged.

Meteorological Information

At the time of the accident, the surface wind was 360°/10 knots, with a temperature of 25°C and visibility of 10 km or more. A left crosswind condition existed relative to the hovering helicopter.

Weight and Balance

The helicopter's weight and center of gravity were within the certified limits specified in the Pilot Operating Handbook.

Wreckage and Impact

The tail rotor blades struck the ground and the tail boom. Examination revealed that the tail rotor flapping angle measured 13.5°, exceeding the specified 12±1°. Two tail rotor driveshaft fractures were observed, consistent with a tail rotor strike.

Probable Cause

The helicopter experienced a vortex ring state and a hard landing resulted due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 2007 Bell 206 B Helicopter accident near Open grass area to the west of Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA?

A Bell 206 B helicopter, registration ZS-HDW, experienced a loss of tail rotor effectiveness while hovering at Rand Aerodrome, resulting in a hard landing and tail boom damage. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Feb 2007 Bell 206 B Helicopter accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 2007 involved a Bell 206 B Helicopter, registration ZS-HDW, at Open grass area to the west of Runway 17 at Rand Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The helicopter experienced a vortex ring state and a hard landing resulted due to a loss of tail rotor effectiveness.

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