2008 Robinson R44 Accident at Oryx Safari Game Farm (ZS-RTK)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 7 April 2008, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-RTK, was conducting a private flight over Oryx Safari Game Farm near Kuruman, Northern Cape, South Africa. The pilot, a 33-year-old South African with 1,224 total flight hours, was accompanied by two passengers. The flight was operating at an altitude of 50 to 100 feet above ground level when the pilot observed a herd of antelope to the left. The pilot initiated a left turn toward the animals, during which the main rotor RPM began to decay. Despite recovery attempts, the pilot was unable to restore rotor RPM and executed a forced landing in an open field. The helicopter skidded approximately 5 meters before rolling onto its left side. The accident occurred at 0610Z at a GPS position of South 27°32.392', East 023°21.728', at an elevation of 4,698 feet. No injuries were sustained by the pilot or passengers, and no fire occurred. The aircraft was substantially damaged, including a broken left skid, deformed main cabin, and damage to the tail boom and firewall. The helicopter had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had been repaired and certified serviceable following a previous accident in 2004. The pilot had no reported mechanical defects prior to or during the flight. The investigation determined that the accident was survivable, and the occupants disembarked unassisted using safety restraining harnesses.