Robinson R44 Helicopter Accident at Mossel Bay Aerodrome (ZS-RFL)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 10 June 2011, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration ZS-RFL, was conducting a private flight from a private aerodrome near Wellington in the Western Cape to Mossel Bay aerodrome. The pilot, a 26-year-old South African male with a commercial licence, was accompanied by one passenger. The flight proceeded without incident until the pilot attempted to land on the apron in front of a hangar at Mossel Bay. ## Accident Sequence and Damage During the final phase of the landing, the helicopter drifted toward the hangar. The main rotor blades made contact with the hangar roof and door, causing the helicopter to crash in front of the structure. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, and the hangar roof and door were also substantially damaged. No fire occurred before or after the impact. ## Personnel, Injuries, and Aircraft Condition Both occupants were properly restrained with lap straps and shoulder harnesses, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. The pilot held a valid commercial licence with 2,004.6 total flying hours and 125.2 hours on type. The helicopter, a 1994 Robinson R44 Astro with serial number 0140, had 3,485.6 airframe hours at the time of the accident. Maintenance records indicated the aircraft was equipped and maintained in accordance with existing regulations and approved procedures. ## Meteorological and Operational Factors Weather conditions at the time included a westerly wind of 10-15 knots, good visibility, 2/8 cloud at 4,500 feet AGL, and a temperature of 19°C. The investigation found that weather did not play a role in the accident. The helicopter was not equipped with a flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, as neither was required by regulations. ## Investigation Findings and Probable Cause The pilot was suitably qualified to conduct the flight. However, during the landing, the pilot allowed the aircraft to drift and failed to observe that it was too close to the hangar. The investigation concluded that the probable cause was a collision with the hangar due to a failure to keep proper lookout.