What happened
On 23 March 2009, a Robinson R44 Astro, registration ZS-RKA, departed from a private helipad at Sea Rest Farm near Port Elizabeth. The pilot and one passenger were on a private flight intended for East London Aerodrome. After climbing to 800 feet and turning east, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power, accompanied by the low rotor RPM warning horn.
The pilot immediately initiated an autorotation procedure, successfully performing a forced landing on the sand at Woody Cape Beach. While the landing was survivable and the occupants evacuated without assistance, the aircraft sustained significant damage, including impacts to the tail boom, the left-hand skid, and the right windshield.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system and the refueling process used prior to the flight. The aircraft had been refueled with 30 litres of fuel on the morning of the accident. During the onsite investigation, the drum used for refueling was found to contain water.
Further inspection by the maintenance organization responsible for recovering the helicopter revealed that three litres of water had entered the aircraft's fuel system. This water was present in the main fuel tanks, the gascolator, and the carburettor fuel bowls.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine failure was fuel contamination caused by water entering the system.
- The pilot held a valid private pilot licence and a current medical certificate.
- The aircraft was maintained by a certified maintenance organization in accordance with all regulations.
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident were clear and were not a contributing factor to the event.