History of Flight
On 31 January 2012, at approximately 1349Z, a private flight departed from the Indlelo Conference Centre in Witbank, Mpumalanga province, with the pilot and two passengers on board. The helicopter, a Robinson R44 (registration ZS-HGH), was operated by the owner, Halotron Investment (PTY) LTD, under Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.
The pilot reported that after lift-off, he turned the helicopter into the wind to clear a ground wall. During transition and after clearing the wall, the main rotor rpm warning light illuminated. The pilot attempted to recover rotor rpm by applying throttle and lowering the collective. However, electrical cables approximately 5 meters high and 100 meters from the take-off position were in the flight path. As the helicopter approached the cables, the pilot pitched the nose up to clear them, causing further decay of main rotor rpm. The pilot then opted to execute a forced landing in an open field.
During the forced landing, the helicopter impacted the ground hard. The skids struck a heap of soil excavated from a ditch, and the helicopter rolled over. The skids and tail boom separated from the fuselage. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, fuselage skin, tail boom, and skids. No persons on board were injured.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical failure or system malfunction. The helicopter had been properly maintained, with no defects reported prior to or after the accident. The aircraft held a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and Certificate of Registration. The weather at the time was CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK), with temperature 31°C and easterly wind at 5 knots.
The pilot held a valid Private Pilot License (Helicopter) with a total flying experience of 53 hours, all on type.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined the probable cause to be an unsuccessful forced landing following main rotor rpm decay, attributed to poor technique in clearing the obstacle after take-off, which caused the rpm decay.