Helicopter Forced Landing in Limpopo During Game Counting (ZS-RNI)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 2 October 2012, a Robinson R44 helicopter registered ZS-RNI was conducting a game counting operation in the Bela Bela district of Limpopo province, South Africa. The aircraft departed from an open area on Farm Grootfontein at approximately 0900Z. The pilot-in-command, a 23-year-old commercial pilot with 489.1 total flying hours and 229.5 hours on type, was accompanied by three passengers. The flight was conducted with all four doors removed. The pilot reported flying at approximately 100 feet above ground level at an indicated airspeed of 15 to 20 knots. Meteorological conditions at the time included light and variable surface winds, a temperature of approximately 28°C, and clear visibility (CAVOK).