Accident Overview
On 29 November 2011, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter (registration ZS-RDG) was involved in an accident at Wonderboom Aerodrome (FAWB) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The helicopter was operated under a private license with one pilot and three passengers on board. No injuries were reported among the occupants.
Flight Details
The flight was a local private operation with an intended departure and arrival at Wonderboom Aerodrome. The pilot held a valid private pilot license and had 201.7 total flying hours, including 86.1 hours on the Robinson R44 type.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot's account, during take-off, after completing vertical ascent and hover checks, the helicopter began forward flight. The helicopter suddenly drifted to the right with the nose in a nose-down attitude. The pilot attempted to correct with left cyclic input, but the helicopter sank toward the ground. The right skid contacted the ground first, leading to a dynamic rollover onto the right side.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather information indicated surface wind from 030° at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The take-off was conducted with a 60° crosswind component from the left side. Visibility was good, temperature 22°C, and elevation at the site was 4111 feet.
Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the skids, main rotor, tail rotor, tail boom, and fuselage.
Probable Cause
During take-off whilst in the ascent and hover with crosswind conditions from the left, the pilot lost control of the helicopter and the skids impacted the ground followed by a dynamic rollover.