2008 Schweizer 269C Accident Near Baltimore, Limpopo (ZS-RVV)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 15 April 2008, a Schweizer 269C helicopter, registration ZS-RVV, operated by African Bronze Art Foundry CC, crashed in an open field near Baltimore, Limpopo, South Africa. The aircraft was on a private flight with a single occupant. The pilot reported that while maneuvering at approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL) near a wire fence, he observed movement on his left that appeared to be a leopard. At a speed of approximately 40 knots, he initiated a left turn to investigate. During this maneuver, the engine suddenly ran rough and stopped. The helicopter was too low to execute a successful autorotational landing. Upon touchdown, the main rotor blades struck a thorn tree, causing the aircraft to roll over onto its right side. ## Aircraft and Personnel Details The aircraft was a Schweizer 269C, serial number S1481, manufactured in January 1997. It was powered by a Lycoming HIO-360-D1A engine. At the time of the accident, the airframe had 3,818.2 total hours, and the engine had 2,862.5 hours since new. The pilot was a 25-year-old South African male holding a valid commercial helicopter pilot's license with a type endorsement. He had 3,297.9 total flying hours and 521.3 hours on type. The pilot was not injured in the accident. ## Investigation Findings and Probable Cause The helicopter sustained substantial damage, including bent main rotor blades, a damaged right skid, and a broken windshield. No pre- or post-impact fire was observed. The engine was tested at an approved aircraft maintenance organization (AMO) and ran satisfactorily with no defects found. An inspection revealed 18 liters of aviation fuel in the tanks with no signs of contamination. Given the fuel consumption rate of approximately 42 liters per hour, the aircraft had less than 30 minutes of fuel remaining, which limited but did not exclude the possibility of fuel starvation during the sudden turn. Carburetor icing was eliminated as a cause because the aircraft is fuel-injected. The weather was fine, with a temperature of 28°C, wind of 12 knots, and clear visibility, and did not contribute to the accident. The probable cause was determined to be an engine failure following a sudden turn, resulting in an unsuccessful autorotation from a low altitude. The specific cause of the engine failure could not be determined.