What happened
On 22 July 2010, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, registration ZS-RXV, was conducting a training flight at Rand Aerodrome when it experienced a sudden loss of control. The flight, operated by Starlite Aviation, involved an instructor demonstrating engine failure procedures to a student pilot.
After successfully completing an autorotation and attempting to transition into a hover approximately one foot above the ground, the aircraft encountered an abrupt shift in wind direction. This change caused the helicopter to yaw sharply to the left. As the aircraft moved, the right-hand skid struck the ground and dug into the surface, forcing the helicopter to roll onto its right side. The occupants, the instructor and the student pilot, were able to exit the wreckage unassisted without injury.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the flight circumstances. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was in a valid state of airworthiness and registration. The inspection of the wreckage showed that the damage to the fuselage, rotor blades, tail boom, and windshield was consistent with the impact forces of the rollover.
Investigators also reviewed the meteorological conditions, noting that while the weather was generally clear, a sudden shift in wind direction was the primary catalyst for the event. The investigation also looked into the flight controls, noting that the student pilot was the individual in control of the aircraft at the moment of the incident.