Robinson R44 Raven II Accident in Brakpan, South Africa (ZS-KTM)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 27 February 2009, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-KTM, departed Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) at approximately 0820Z for a private flight to Ermelo. The pilot, who was also the owner of the aircraft, was accompanied by a passenger. The planned route was eastward, with the pilot required to remain below 6,000 feet above mean sea level to accommodate traffic approaching OR Tambo International Aerodrome (FAJS). During the flight, while operating at 300 to 500 feet above ground level over a residential area, the pilot identified an engine over-speed condition, with the RPM gauge needle touching the red line. The pilot informed the passenger that the governor was not functioning and that the governor off warning light had not illuminated. The pilot then contacted OR Tambo International control tower via radio, reporting the engine over-speed condition and stating an intention to return to Rand Aerodrome. ## Crash Sequence and Impact The pilot identified an open, grass-covered area adjacent to the N17 highway as a potential precautionary landing site. During the landing attempt, the helicopter was in an excessive nose-up attitude, causing the tail stinger, lower vertical fin, and tail rotor blades to strike the ground. This impact resulted in the tail rotor assembly breaking off. The helicopter subsequently collided with a water culvert and came to rest on its left-hand side approximately 60 meters further along. ## Injuries and Aircraft Damage Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries and were admitted to hospital. No fatalities were reported. The helicopter was destroyed during the impact sequence. No other damage was caused. ## Personnel and Aircraft Information The pilot-in-command was a 60-year-old South African male holding a valid private pilot licence. He had a total of 691.0 flying hours, with 135.9 hours on type. The aircraft was a 2006 Robinson R44 Raven II, serial number 11496, with 264.0 total airframe hours at the time of the accident. The engine was a Lycoming IO-540-AE 1A5, serial number L-31567-48A. ## Meteorological and Operational Conditions At the time of the accident, surface winds were from 030° at 6 knots, with a temperature of 20°C and visibility exceeding 10 km. Cloud cover was broken with a cloud base at 1,700 feet. The accident occurred during daylight conditions at GPS coordinates S26° 15.135’ E028° 16.180’.