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Uncontained Engine Failure During Game Counting Flight (ZS-RFL)

In an open field on farm Smutskuil, near Britstown, Northern Cape, ZA

On February 18, 2008, a Robinson R44 (registration ZS-RFL) was involved in an aviation accident near In an open field on farm Smutskuil, near Britstown, Northern Cape, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot executed a hard landing from a height of approximately 100 ft AGL, following an uncontained engine failure in flight. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Robinson R44 helicopter (ZS-RFL) suffered an uncontained engine failure during a game-counting flight near Britstown, Northern Cape, on 18 February 2008. The pilot executed a hard autorotational landing; no injuries were reported.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 18 February 2008, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration ZS-RFL, was conducting a game-counting exercise near Britstown in the Northern Cape. The aircraft departed from and was intended to land at Farm Smutskuil. The pilot-in-command held a commercial licence and had 954 total flying hours, including 176.6 hours on type. One passenger was on board. The accident occurred at 0630Z in an open field on the farm. Meteorological conditions at the time included a northerly surface wind of 6 knots, a temperature of 22°C, and CAVOK visibility. No persons were injured or killed.

Probable cause

The pilot executed a hard landing from a height of approximately 100 ft AGL, following an uncontained engine failure in flight.
Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Feb 2008 Robinson R44 accident near In an open field on farm Smutskuil, near Britstown, Northern Cape, ZA?

A Robinson R44 helicopter (ZS-RFL) suffered an uncontained engine failure during a game-counting flight near Britstown, Northern Cape, on 18 February 2008. The pilot executed a hard autorotational landing; no injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Feb 2008 Robinson R44 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Feb 2008 involved a Robinson R44, registration ZS-RFL, at In an open field on farm Smutskuil, near Britstown, Northern Cape, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot executed a hard landing from a height of approximately 100 ft AGL, following an uncontained engine failure in flight.

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