History of Flight
On 19 February 2007 at approximately 0830Z, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration ZS-RNZ, was on a solo training flight from Port Alfred Aerodrome (FAPA) to the Fish River lighthouse and return. The pilot, a Nigerian citizen, held a private pilot licence (helicopter) and was working toward a commercial pilot licence at 43 Air School. He had not flown since obtaining his licence on 18 April 2006 until returning to South Africa in February 2007. After four dual recurrency flights totaling 4.4 hours, he was dispatched solo. The flight was estimated to last 36 minutes.
The pilot flew to the lighthouse and began the return. While abeam Rietpoint, he established radio contact with Port Alfred AFIS. After passing the fish farm reporting point, he became uncertain of his position and overshot the aerodrome. He turned back but could not locate the fish farm. During attempts to orient himself, he noted low fuel. The low fuel warning light illuminated, prompting him to land as soon as possible. He descended from about 900 feet AGL; at 600 feet AGL the engine stopped. He entered autorotation, but during the flare, on downhill-sloping terrain, the stinger and tail rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter remained upright and stopped on its skids.
The pilot, uninjured, remained in radio contact. Another helicopter was dispatched and located him via cell phone.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot was not injured. The helicopter sustained minor damage: the tail rotor drive shaft, stinger, and one tail rotor blade (failed at the blade cuff).
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 29, held a valid private pilot licence with a helicopter rating. Total flying experience: 67.2 hours, with 52.2 hours on type. His last flight prior to the recurrency training was in April 2006.
Aircraft Information
The Robinson R22 Beta (serial number 3392) was manufactured in 2002. Total airframe hours: 2,032.7. The engine was a Lycoming O-360-J2A. The helicopter was equipped with a magnetic compass, directional indicator, and transponder. It was not fitted with flight data or cockpit voice recorders.
Meteorological Information
Surface wind was 110° at 10 knots, temperature 27°C, visibility CAVOK.
Communications
The pilot maintained radio contact with Port Alfred AFIS on 122.0 MHz throughout the flight and after landing.
Wreckage
The forced landing occurred on a farm (Purdon) about 30 km east of Port Alfred Aerodrome, on sloping terrain. No fuel was found in the tanks during post-accident inspection.