What happened
On 10 July 2007, a Robinson R22 helicopter was conducting a private flight from Bergtop farm in the Waterpoort area toward Hoedspruit. The pilot, accompanied by a 16-year-old passenger, intended to drop the passenger at the Klaserie Game Reserve during the journey. The flight began under favorable weather conditions with clear skies and light winds.
While cruising at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and traveling at 80 knots, the aircraft experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power without any prior warning. Faced with steep and rocky terrain, the pilot executed an emergency autorotational landing within a valley in the Makhado mountains, near Louis Trichardt. During the descent, the pilot managed to maintain sufficient airspeed and rotor RPM, flaring the aircraft to reduce the impact speed. The helicopter struck trees, which helped cushion the force of the impact, though the airframe, landing skids, and rotor blades sustained extensive damage.
Following the impact, the pilot assisted the passenger, who had sustained a fractured ankle and minor injuries, in exiting the aircraft. The pilot remained uninjured. After ensuring the passenger's safety, the pilot climbed the mountainside to find cellular reception and alert search and rescue services.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components to identify the source of the power loss. The engine was transported to an approved overhaul facility for a complete teardown. The inspection included checking the cylinders, spark plugs, piston rings, and the crankcase for any signs of mechanical failure, wear, or faulty workmanship.
Findings
- The engine examination revealed no mechanical defects or identifiable failures that could have caused the engine to stop.
- The aircraft's last mandatory periodic inspection had been completed approximately 56 hours prior to the accident.
- The pilot held a valid private helicopter license with the appropriate type endorsement.
- The weather at the time of the accident was clear with good visibility and no cloud cover.
- The impact was mitigated by the pilot's successful execution of an autorotational maneuver into bushy terrain.