History of the Flight
On 22 September 2010, a Schweizer 269C-1 helicopter, registration ZS-REU, operated by North Coast Chartering Services, was on a private flight from Margate to Port Alfred. The pilot, accompanied by a passenger, landed at Kob Inn Beach Resort at 0710Z after approximately 2.65 hours of flight. After a leisurely breakfast at the resort's restaurant, they boarded the helicopter for the next leg to Port Alfred.
The pilot reported that the engine started normally and the helicopter was lifted into a hover in prevailing crosswind conditions. The manifold pressure indicated 25 inches of mercury, which was considered sufficient for a vertical take-off. The pilot turned the nose into the wind for a steep take-off. During transition, the low rotor RPM warning horn sounded. The pilot rolled on the throttle and lowered the collective to restore RPM, but the RPM continued to drop and the helicopter began to lose height. He maneuvered away from the pool area, but the helicopter collided with a wooden jungle gym structure, causing the helicopter to roll onto its right-hand side. The main rotor blades, tail boom, tail rotor, and skids sustained substantial damage during the impact sequence. The pilot and passenger escaped unharmed.
Injuries to Persons
No injuries were sustained by the pilot or passenger.
Damage to Aircraft
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, tail boom, tail rotor, and skids. The jungle gym structure sustained slight damage.
Personnel Information
The pilot, aged 23, held a valid private helicopter license with a type endorsement for the Schweizer 269C-1. He had a total flying experience of 115.5 hours, including 10.0 hours in the past 90 days and 2.1 hours on type. He was converted onto the Schweizer 269C-1 on 13 September 2010.
Aircraft Information
The Schweizer 269C-1 (serial number 0369) was manufactured in 2010 by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation. At the time of the accident, the airframe had accumulated 141.0 hours. The last mandatory periodic inspection was conducted on 16 September 2010 at 94.1 airframe hours. The engine, a Lycoming HI O-360-GIA (serial number L-34607-51A), had 141.0 hours since new and had not reached time between overhauls.
Meteorological Information
The pilot reported wind from the southwest at 20 knots, gusting to 27 knots, with CAVOK conditions. The South African Weather Services analysis indicated scattered low clouds, strong surface winds, and moderate to severe turbulence in the Kob Inn area at the time of the accident.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The helicopter collided with a wooden jungle gym, causing it to roll onto its right side. The main rotor blades, tail boom, tail rotor, and skids were damaged. The jungle gym sustained slight damage.
Survival Aspects
The occupants were properly secured with lap belts and shoulder harnesses and sustained no injuries.
Tests and Research
Aircraft maintenance records indicated the helicopter was correctly maintained and airworthy at the time of the accident. Weather analysis confirmed the presence of strong winds and turbulence.
The aircraft was not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder, nor were they required by regulations.