Fatal Fall During Rhino-Darting Operation in South Africa (ZS-HFD)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 9 October 2008, a Bell 206B helicopter, registration ZS-HFD, operated by John Bassi Helicopters CC, was conducting a commercial rhino-darting operation at the Lapalala Wilderness game farm in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The aircraft was piloted by a 48-year-old commercial pilot with 10,026 total flight hours and 4,500 hours on type. The flight carried three passengers: a game darter, a veterinarian (the darter's wife), and an observer. The helicopter's doors had been removed for the operation. The pilot had previously completed normal cockpit security checks and confirmed with passengers that they were ready and secure. After taking off, the pilot positioned the helicopter on the left-hand side of a rhino at a height of 15 to 20 meters above ground level to allow the darter to shoot. The darter, seated in the aft right-hand seat, positioned himself on the right flight step, which was part of the skid gear, to take aim. During this maneuver, the darter's safety harness became undone, and he fell from the helicopter. The pilot observed the darter throw down his gun and attempt to grab onto the aircraft as he fell. The pilot immediately landed near the victim, and the veterinarian began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The darter survived briefly but subsequently died. The helicopter sustained no damage, and no other injuries or damage were reported.