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Fatal Helicopter Accident in Limpopo Province (ZS-PZZ)

Nylstroom, near Bela-Bela in Limpopo province, ZA

On April 5, 2013, a Robinson R44 II Raven (registration ZS-PZZ) was involved in an aviation accident near Nylstroom, near Bela-Bela in Limpopo province, ZA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) due to thunderstorm activity resulting in loss of visibility. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration ZS-PZZ, crashed in Limpopo Province on 5 April 2013, killing the sole pilot. The accident was attributed to controlled flight into terrain due to thunderstorm activity.

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 5 April 2013, a Robinson R44 II helicopter with registration ZS-PZZ was involved in a fatal accident in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The aircraft, manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company in 2007, was operated by PLB Computers CC. The pilot, a 49-year-old South African male holding a Commercial Pilot Licence, was the sole occupant on board. The helicopter was destroyed in the crash, and the pilot was fatally injured. The accident site was located near Nylstroom, with GPS coordinates S 24°44'940” E028°29'020” (noted as S 24°44.940 E028°29.020 in the report). The flight was a private operation from Bela-Bela to Roedtan, both private airfields in Limpopo Province. The accident occurred at 1630Z (Coordinated Universal Time).

Probable cause

Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) due to thunderstorm activity resulting in loss of visibility.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Apr 2013 Robinson R44 II Raven accident near Nylstroom, near Bela-Bela in Limpopo province, ZA?

A Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration ZS-PZZ, crashed in Limpopo Province on 5 April 2013, killing the sole pilot. The accident was attributed to controlled flight into terrain due to thunderstorm activity.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Apr 2013 Robinson R44 II Raven accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Apr 2013 involved a Robinson R44 II Raven, registration ZS-PZZ, at Nylstroom, near Bela-Bela in Limpopo province, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) due to thunderstorm activity resulting in loss of visibility.

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