History of Flight
On 17 September 2010, at approximately 0940Z, a Robinson R44 II helicopter (registration ZS-RJO) collided with blue-gum trees approximately 800 meters south-south-west of the outskirts of Belfast, Mpumalanga. The helicopter was on a private flight from Rand Airport (FAGM) to Maputo via Kruger Mpumalanga Aerodrome (FAKN), with a pilot and two passengers on board.
Witnesses observed the helicopter flying very low over the town of Belfast in an easterly direction at around 0930Z, and shortly thereafter returning in a westerly direction at low altitude. Low cloud and fog patches were reported in the vicinity at the time of the accident. There were no recorded radio transmissions.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot and both passengers sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was destroyed during the accident sequence. Minor damage was caused to vegetation, and an unknown quantity of fuel was spilled due to ruptured fuel tanks.
Pilot Information
The 55-year-old pilot held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate, with a total flying experience of 1487.1 hours, all on type. He was type-endorsed for the Robinson R44. There was no evidence that physiological factors or incapacitation affected his performance.
Wreckage and Impact
The accident site was located at GPS position S25° 42.694' E030° 2.664' at an elevation of approximately 1906 meters (6250 feet) AMSL. At the time of impact, the helicopter was flying in a westerly direction at a height of about 20 meters AGL. The pilot attempted a left turn to avoid the trees, but the main rotor struck the trees at an estimated height of 15 meters AGL, followed by the tail rotor. The helicopter then rolled onto its left side and fell to the ground, coming to rest approximately 15 meters from a farm dwelling.
Aircraft Information
The Robinson R44 II (serial number 12038) was manufactured in 2007 and powered by an Avco Lycoming IO-540 engine. Total airframe hours at the last mandatory periodic inspection were 496.8, with 28.3 hours since then. The helicopter was properly maintained, and no pre-existing defects were found. Weight and balance were within limits.
Meteorological Conditions
Surface conditions at the time of the accident were estimated using data from nearby reporting stations at Witbank and Ermelo. Conditions were: wind from 60°TN at 11 knots, visibility low, temperature 15°C, dew point 9°C, broken to overcast cloud and mist patches with a low cloud base. Natural daylight conditions prevailed.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of engine or control failures. The engine was test-run and performed within specifications. The aircraft's GPS did not record the flight due to lack of recording function. All occupants were properly restrained with safety harnesses; front seat attachments failed sideways due to impact forces. Emergency services arrived approximately 10 minutes after the accident.