What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2010-11-02 involved a Robinson R22 Beta, registration ZS-RNN, at House No. 78 Second Street, Rooiwal Approximately 5NM north of FAWB, ZA.

Robinson R22 Beta Collides with Tree and Crashes in Rooiwal Residential Area (ZS-RNN)

On November 2, 2010, a Robinson R22 Beta (registration ZS-RNN) was involved in an aviation accident near House No. 78 Second Street, Rooiwal Approximately 5NM north of FAWB, ZA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The helicopter impacted a tree during low level flying over build-up area and crashed into a yard. Contributory factor: Inoperative engine during low level flying. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 1785104676Data API Editorial standards

On 2 November 2010, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter (ZS-RNN) struck a tree during low-level flight over a built-up area in Rooiwal, South Africa, then crashed into a backyard and was destroyed by fire. Both occupants sustained fatal injuries. The engine was not operating at ground impact.

Accident Details

On 2 November 2010, at approximately 1430–1500 UTC, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter, registration ZS-RNN, was involved in an accident at House No. 78 Second Street, Rooiwal, about 5 nautical miles north of Wonderboom Airport (FAWB). The helicopter was destroyed by impact and post-crash fire. Both occupants—the pilot and the owner of the helicopter—sustained fatal injuries.

Flight History

The helicopter had landed at Wonderboom Airport at 1213 UTC after arriving from Lanseria International Airport. It subsequently departed for the general flying area with the intention of returning to Wonderboom. The flight was part of preparation for renewal of the owner's private pilot licence. The last contact with air traffic control was at 1351 UTC, when the pilot reported normal operations.

Eyewitnesses observed the helicopter flying very low in a southerly direction toward Wonderboom. They reported it turned back to the north, then they heard a loud noise. The helicopter yawed left, descended at about a 45-degree angle, and crashed into the backyard of a house. A post-impact fire consumed most of the cockpit and cabin.

Wreckage and Impact

The helicopter first struck a tree at a house adjacent to the accident site. Tree branches were severed by the rotor blades. The main wreckage came to rest approximately 24 meters from the struck tree. The helicopter flipped onto its left side. Debris was scattered within a 5-meter radius. The main rotor remained intact and unburnt; the tail boom and tail rotor broke upon hitting an asbestos hall. The engine and gearbox were partially burnt.

Investigation revealed the engine was not operating at the time of ground impact. The engine could not be bench-tested due to damage; teardown showed the fan and scroll assembly had no scuff marks indicating rotation. Cylinder No. 2 lacked compression, while all valves moved freely. No fuel sample was available due to the fire.

Probable Cause

The probable cause, as stated in the report, is: "The helicopter impacted a tree during low level flying over build-up area and crashed into a yard. Contributory factor: Inoperative engine during low level flying."

Loss of control in flight

2010-11-02: Robinson R22 Beta (ZS-RNN) — House No. 78 Second Street, Rooiwal Approximately 5NM north of FAWB, ZA