History of Flight
On 18 October 2008 at approximately 0300Z, the helicopter departed Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) to collect two passengers at Kitty Hawk Aerodrome. Arrival and departure times from Kitty Hawk are not known. At approximately 0530Z, the helicopter with the pilot and two passengers landed on the farm Lepeng in the Lydenburg District. After landing, the pilot removed the doors and 25 litres of fuel was uplifted. The pilot then took off with three farmers for a game count lasting about 50 minutes, followed by a second game count of approximately 40 minutes. After the second game count, the pilot refitted the doors and the helicopter was refuelled with 150 litres of fuel. The pilot then took off with two passengers on a pleasure flight of about 20 minutes. At approximately 1050Z, the pilot and the two passengers who had flown with him in the morning took off for the return flight to Kitty Hawk Aerodrome via Lydenburg.
At approximately 1100Z, a witness at Kudu Ranch, overlooking the Spekboom River valley, heard the sound of a helicopter approaching from a northerly direction. He heard what sounded like a sudden loss of power and within seconds heard a loud bang. Looking in the direction of the bang, he saw a large explosion followed by a large plume of smoke. The witness informed the Lydenburg SAPS. He then arranged a helicopter from Bird Dog Aviation to fly out with three medical personnel, who arrived at approximately 1250Z and found the burnt-out wreckage and the bodies of the three occupants.
Injuries to Persons
| Injuries | Pilot | Crew | Passengers | Other | |----------|-------|------|------------|-------| | Fatal | 1 | - | 2 | - | | Serious | - | - | - | - | | Minor | - | - | - | - | | None | - | - | - | - |
Damage to Aircraft
The helicopter was destroyed by the impact and post-impact fire.
Other Damage
A broken high tension earth cable was found approximately 100 metres from the accident site. Minor fire damages were caused to the vegetation.
Personnel Information
The pilot was a 36-year-old South African male holding a Commercial (Helicopter) licence, valid, with endorsements including Class II Instructor, Test Pilot, Instrument and Night rating. Medical expiry date: 31 March 2009. No restrictions or previous accidents. Total flying experience: 4115 hours, with 1440 hours on type.
Aircraft Information
- Type: Robinson R44 II
- Serial Number: 11863
- Year of Manufacture: 2007
- Total Airframe Hours at Accident: Unknown (flight folio destroyed)
- Last MPI: 5 August 2008 (hours unknown)
- Engine: Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5, Serial No. L-32096-48E
Meteorological Information
Weather obtained from South African Weather Services: Wind 310° at 10 knots, temperature 21°C, dew point 13°C, visibility >10 km, scattered cloud at 3000 ft.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The accident site was in a steep valley next to the Spekboom River. The helicopter impacted the ground at 191° magnetic heading at 3519 feet AMSL. The aircraft collided with a large rock. A piece of tail boom separated and was found 50 metres from the main wreckage. The severed end of the high tension earth cable was found about 100 metres before the accident site. Examination of the skid gear revealed scoring marks on the left-hand front skid strut, indicating contact with the cable. The left-hand front strut was deformed rearwards, and one bolt connecting the cross tube to the elbow at the right front side was sheared. The tail boom separation was caused by the main rotor blades cutting through it, and the tail rotor was not rotating when that part contacted the ground.
Probable Cause
Collision with a high tension electrical earth cable before impacting with the ground.