What happened
On 17 September 2010, a Robinson R44 Ravin II, registration ZS-RJO, departed Rand Airport on a private flight destined for Maputo, with a planned stop at Kruger Mpumalanga Aerodrome. The flight included the pilot and two passengers.
As the aircraft approached the town of Belfast in Mpumalanga, witnesses observed the helicopter flying at an extremely low altitude. After initially passing over the town in an easterly direction, the aircraft was seen returning in a westerly direction, again at a very low height. At approximately 0940Z, the helicopter struck a stand of blue-gum trees located south-south-west of the Belfast outskirts. The impact, occurring at an altitude of roughly 15 meters, caused the main rotor and tail rotor to strike the vegetation, leading the aircraft to roll and crash. The accident occurred near a farm dwelling, and the impact resulted in the destruction of the helicopter.
All 3 occupants sustained serious injuries. The pilot suffered injuries to the legs, pelvis, back, and sternum, while the passengers sustained serious injuries to their legs, pelvis, and head.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the flight conditions. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was properly maintained, within weight and balance limits, and that the pilot held a valid private pilot license and medical certificate. There was no evidence of mechanical failure, as the engine performed within specifications during post-accident testing, and all flight controls were functional.
Meteorological data indicated the presence of low clouds and fog patches in the area. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's account, noting that while conditions were clear during the initial departure, the pilot descended to find a gap in the clouds near Belfast. This maneuver led to the aircraft entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).