What happened
On 10 June 2011, a Robinson R44 helicopter was conducting a private flight from Wellington to the Mossel Bay aerodrome in the Western Cape. The flight, which included the pilot and one passenger, proceeded without incident until the final stages of the arrival. As the pilot attempted to land on the apron area in front of a hangar, the aircraft began to drift toward the structure. During this maneuver, the main rotor blades struck the hangar roof and door, leading to a crash of the ZS-RFL.
While the helicopter sustained substantial damage, there were no fatalities or injuries to the occupants. The impact also caused significant damage to the hangar's roof and door. The aircraft's maintenance records confirmed it had been serviced according to all required regulatory and manufacturer procedures.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the flight path, the aircraft's mechanical state, and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators confirmed that the pilot held a valid commercial license and was properly qualified for the operation. Meteorological data indicated favorable flying conditions, with good visibility, a temperature of 19°C, and a westerly wind of 10-15 knots.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a collision with a hangar.
- The pilot failed to maintain an adequate lookout, allowing the aircraft to drift into the structure.
- The investigation noted that the pilot's failure to observe the proximity to the hangar may have been a result of complacency.
- The weather conditions were not a contributing factor to the event.