What happened
On 27 October 2008, a student pilot was conducting his third solo circuit training flight of the day at Brits Aerodrome. While approaching a concrete landing area adjacent to runway 20, the pilot established a hover approximately 3 meters above the ground. During this period, the pilot attempted to compensate for main rotor torque, but the Alouette II began an erratic turn to the left.
This initial rotation progressed into an intense leftward spin that lasted roughly 20 seconds. As the aircraft spun, it gained about 2 meters in altitude before drifting eastward and descending toward the ground. The helicopter struck the grass hard on its right skid. Moments after the initial impact, the aircraft rolled onto its right side, causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground. The pilot successfully exited the aircraft, though he briefly re-entered the cockpit to shut down the engine, which was still running following the impact.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the Alouette II, registration ZU-RAH, was in a serviceable condition prior to the accident. Records indicated the aircraft had completed its last annual inspection approximately 20 hours before the event. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was a valid student pilot with 25 total flying hours on the type.
At the time of the incident, meteorological conditions were favorable, with a temperature of 28°C and visibility categorized as CAVOK. However, a westerly wind of 10 knots was present. The investigation noted that the aircraft sustained extensive damage to the airframe, including the fuselage, tail rotor, landing skids, and main rotor blades. The pilot was treated at a hospital for minor injuries.
Findings
- The pilot was performing a solo training maneuver when the aircraft entered an uncontrolled spin.
- The aircraft experienced an excessive leftward rotation on its vertical axis.
- Adverse wind conditions contributed to the pilot losing control of the aircraft during the hover.
- The impact sequence caused the main rotor blades to strike the ground following a rollover.