Summary
On 26 November 2009 at 0803Z, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration ZS-SRV, operated by Henley Air (Pty) Ltd, was involved in an accident during a training flight at Rand Airport (FAGM). The helicopter was substantially damaged, and both the flight instructor and student pilot sustained minor injuries.
History of Flight
The flight instructor and student were engaged in a training flight. After takeoff, the instructor flew to the training area, where the student took control. The student was flying a left-hand circuit and was expected to reposition the helicopter for the exercise. While on downwind, the instructor noticed a loss of height and told the student not to descend. The student raised the collective, causing the low rotor RPM warning light to illuminate. The instructor took control, lowered the collective, and rolled on the throttle but could not restore rotor RPM. To avoid a fence in front of the helicopter, the instructor turned right. During the turn, due to insufficient altitude, the left skid struck the ground, and the helicopter rolled onto its left side.
Injuries and Damage
Both the instructor and the student sustained minor injuries. The helicopter suffered substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tail boom.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the accident, wind was from 260° at 14 knots, temperature 28°C, visibility greater than 10 km, with no significant cloud.
Probable Cause
The helicopter lost main rotor RPM during a training flight. Contributory factors included the instructor's right turn to avoid a fence, which caused the left skid to dig into the ground, and the student's failure to compensate for a tailwind during downwind.