What happened
On 4 July 2008, a South African Police Service (SAPS) MBB-BO 105 S helicopter, registration ZS-RAW, was conducting a crime prevention flight from Rand Aerodrome toward Fourways. During the mission, the crew was diverted to assist ground units responding to an armed robbery near a mine dump in Meadowlands, Soweto.
Upon arrival, the crew identified two suspects fleeing in different directions. The pilot began tracking one suspect who was running toward a residential area. In an effort to intercept the individual and prevent them from reaching houses, the pilot descended to an altitude of approximately 164 feet. While performing a left turn at this low altitude, the aircraft's main rotor struck high-tension power lines positioned roughly 60 feet above the ground. The collision caused the pilot to lose control, leading to a vertical impact with the ground. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and interviewed the crew members. The inquiry confirmed that the aircraft was mechanically sound and showed no signs of system failure prior to the impact. The investigation also reviewed the SAPS Helicopter Operations Manual, noting that while pilots have the discretion to breach certain height restrictions during official duties, they must maintain safe operations.
Medical assessments following the accident revealed that the pilot and one airborne law enforcement officer (ALEO) sustained serious injuries, while a trainee ALEO suffered minor injuries. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was equipped with a wire-cutter, though it was unable to prevent the collision in this instance.
Findings
- The pilot intentionally reduced the aircraft's altitude to intercept the fleeing suspect.
- The crew members became fixated on the suspect, fearing the individual might fire at the helicopter.
- This fixation caused the crew to lose situational awareness regarding the high-tension wires they had previously identified.
- The collision with the power lines was the direct cause of the loss of control and subsequent crash.