What happened
On the morning of 14 April 2010, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration ZS-ROV, departed Rand Aerodrome (FAGM) for a private flight. The pilot intended to practice steep approach maneuvers in the Rand Helicopter General Flying area. Prior to departure, the pilot had informed a flight instructor of these intentions, noting recent difficulties with distance assessment during solo flights.
Shortly after takeoff, a flight instructor flying in the same area observed low-lying fog and sent a warning via SMS to the pilot. Despite this, the helicopter proceeded toward the flying area. When the aircraft failed to return as scheduled, a search was initiated by the flying school and the South African Police Service. Later that morning, ground observers reported seeing the aircraft had crashed. The impact destroyed the helicopter and caused a post-impact fire, resulting in one fatality.