Accident Overview
On 08 June 2012, at 1058Z, a Bell 206 helicopter (registration ZS-HHR) operated under commercial operation was involved in an accident in Swartwater, Limpopo Province. The pilot, holding a private pilot license, had accumulated 1979.7 total flying hours, with 1679.5 hours on type. The flight departed from Louis Trichardt to Blouberg, where three radio technicians were picked up for maintenance work on the Televonic radio mast. They then proceeded to the Swartwater radio mast located on a hill at an elevation of 3658 feet AMSL.
Sequence of Events
The flight to the Swartwater radio mast was uneventful. Upon arrival, the pilot landed the helicopter facing into the wind in prevailing gust conditions. As the helicopter settled on the ground surface, a sudden and tremendous gust of wind lifted the nose. The helicopter began sliding backwards on loose gravel and rocky terrain with a slight downslope, rolled over, and tumbled down the side of the mountain onto a lower ridge. It came to rest on its left side approximately 8 metres down the incline.
Weather Conditions
Wind direction was 310 degrees at 10 to 15 knots gusting. Visibility was good, temperature 19°C, and cloud cover was CAVOK.
Injuries and Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage during the impact sequence, and the main rotor blades shattered. The pilot and three passengers evacuated the helicopter without assistance, sustaining only minor scratches and bruises. No fatalities were reported.
Probable Cause
The accident was attributed to the helicopter being positioned with the skids onto a landing site with a downslope, where the nose was lifted by a sudden gust of wind, causing the helicopter to slide backwards down the incline. Additionally, the landing area was on uneven rocky ground surface on top of a hill.