Synopsis
On the evening of 24 November 2007, a Netstar tracking crew consisting of a pilot and an Air Tracker reported for duty at Grand Central Aerodrome, operating under the call sign Netstar 1. After two dispatches to assist in stolen vehicle searches, deteriorating weather prompted a return to base. While landing, the helicopter crashed adjacent to Runway 17. Both occupants were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
History of Flight
The pilot signed on for night duty at 1545Z on 24 November 2007. At approximately 1800Z, the crew was dispatched to the Sandton area. The flight lasted 2.8 hours, covering locations such as Kyalami, Soweto, and Johannesburg CBD. After refueling, the crew awaited further callouts. Just before midnight, they were dispatched again to the Northcliff area, then proceeded toward Johannesburg CBD and Soweto.
Meanwhile, a second helicopter, Netstar 2, was flying north of the aerodrome. Its pilot observed a low cloud moving in from the east and advised Netstar 1 to return due to VFR limitations. Netstar 1 acknowledged and headed back. Netstar 2 landed first under fine conditions. As the pilot performed shutdown checks, he heard Netstar 1 overhead. Suddenly, dense fog surrounded the area. Upon opening the cockpit door, the pilot heard a loud impact near Runway 17 but could not see due to the fog. He and his air tracker ran toward the sound and found both occupants standing outside the wreckage. The pilot complained of right shoulder pain, and the air tracker of back pain and an injured right hand. They were transported to Sunninghill Hospital, where the pilot was diagnosed with injured shoulder ligaments and the air tracker with a broken bone (T12) in the right hand.
Injuries to Persons
The pilot and the air tracker both sustained minor injuries. No fatalities or serious injuries occurred.
Damage to Aircraft
The helicopter sustained extensive damage during the impact sequence approximately 5 meters to the right of Runway 17.
Meteorological Information
Weather conditions at the time of the accident, derived from South African Weather Services data and satellite imagery, included surface wind 030°/5 kt, temperature 15°C, broken cloud at 100 ft AGL, and visibility 50 meters or less due to fog. The area west of the aerodrome experienced a power failure, resulting in total darkness over built-up areas, though runway lights were operational.
Probable Cause
The pilot encountered a layer of low-lying fog during final approach for landing at night, lost visual reference to the ground, became spatially disorientated and crashed.