Accident Details
On 18 January 2008, at approximately 0900Z, a Robinson R22 helicopter (registration ZS-HTP) was involved in an accident near Ballito, South Africa. The aircraft was operated by Starlite Aviation as a training flight. The pilot, a 24-year-old female student, held a valid student licence and had 67.3 total flying hours, all on type. She was the sole occupant and was not injured.
Aircraft and Pilot
The helicopter was a Robinson R22 (serial number 0827, manufactured in 1988) with an airframe total time of 4534.6 hours at the time of the accident. The engine was a Lycoming O320-B2C. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and was maintained in accordance with regulations. The pilot had been endorsed for the type and had no previous accidents or restrictions.
Sequence of Events
The pilot departed from Virginia Aerodrome (FAVG, Durban) for a solo flight to the general flying area to practice the quick stop exercise. After completing the exercise, during the transition phase, she observed telephone wires in close proximity. She attempted to avoid them by turning left, causing the tail rotor to make contact with the wires. The helicopter subsequently crashed.
Damage
The helicopter sustained major damage to the tail boom, tail rotor drive shaft, tail rotor gearbox and blades. The cabin was twisted and the skid was bent. The telephone wires also sustained damage. There was no pre- or post-impact fire. The accident was considered survivable, as the cabin damage was minimal and the pilot was properly restrained.
Probable Cause
The helicopter's tail rotor made contact with the telephone wires and crashed. The accident was attributed to the pilot's failure to look out for obstacles or hazards.