Introduction
On 23 September 2007, at approximately 0530Z, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter (registration ZS-JDB) operated by JNC Helicopters on a commercial aerial filming flight crashed into Shongweni Dam near Eston, South Africa. The pilot and two passengers evacuated the aircraft without sustaining injuries. The helicopter was destroyed by impact with the water and subsequent submersion.
History of Flight
The pilot, employed by a Durban-based operator, was tasked with filming the Sunday Tribune Jeep Hill to Hill Mountain Bike Marathon. The pilot and two passengers were following one of the leading cyclists. To capture a picturesque shot of the lead cyclist crossing a gravel road over the dam, the pilot descended to a few metres above the water and tracked the cyclists along the dam wall. He then decided to reposition the helicopter to follow other cyclists. While turning away from the dam wall and heading toward the eastern side of the dam, the pilot noticed the reflection of an electrical wire against the clear sky when the helicopter was approximately 5 m from the wire. Despite a quick evasive manoeuvre, the main rotor blades struck the wire. The helicopter developed a small vibration, and the pilot attempted to fly to an open space near the dam wall. Within seconds, the helicopter began spinning aggressively to the right. The pilot tried to maintain control, but at about 2 m above the water, the helicopter rolled to the port side and the main rotor impacted the water.
As the helicopter sank, the pilot unlatched his safety belt and harness, switched off the master to silence the low RPM horn, and evacuated along with the two passengers. They swam away from the wreckage. Approximately 20 seconds later, the helicopter was completely submerged.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were sustained by the pilot or the two passengers. The pilot was the holder of a valid medical certificate without restrictions.
Damage to the Aircraft
The helicopter collided with an electrical wire, causing impact damage to the main rotor blades. The subsequent crash into the dam resulted in further damage to the fuselage and tail boom section. The helicopter sank to a depth of approximately 10 m, and all interior furnishings and instrumentation sustained water damage. There was no pre- or post-impact fire.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 34, held a South African Commercial Pilot Licence with endorsements for night flying, Class 2 Test Pilot, and Instructor Grade 2. He had a total flying experience of 2100 hours, with 415 hours on type. His licence was valid, and his medical certificate was current until 30 April 2008. The pilot had one previous accident on 13 June 2006 involving aircraft ZS-HAN.
Aircraft Information
The accident helicopter was a Robinson R44 Raven II (serial number 11881) manufactured in 2007. At the time of the accident, the airframe had accumulated 111.4 hours total time. The last Maintenance Progressive Inspection (MPI) was performed on 5 September 2007 at 100.0 hours, and the aircraft had flown 11.4 hours since that inspection. The Certificate of Airworthiness was issued on 7 September 2007. The engine was a Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 (serial number L-32118-48E) with 111.4 hours since new; the time since overhaul was not reached.
Meteorological Information
The pilot reported calm wind (0° direction, 0 to 5 kts), temperature 18°C, visibility CAVOK, no cloud cover, and dew point not available. The weather was clear and not a factor in the accident.
Communications and Navigation
The helicopter was equipped with standard navigational and communication equipment, which were serviceable before the accident. No communication with Air Traffic Control occurred as the flight was outside controlled airspace. The pilot and passengers communicated via intercom.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was found submerged in Shongweni Dam. The airframe and engine were intact, but the main rotor blades showed impact damage and the tail boom section was bent.
Survival Aspects
The accident was survivable due to low impact forces. All three occupants were properly restrained and evacuated through the doors. A K9 Midlands Search and Rescue Unit arrived shortly after to assist. Survival equipment was found serviceable inside the helicopter.
Probable Cause
The helicopter collided with an electrical wire that was spanned across a dam.