What happened
On 23 April 2013, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-HLS, departed from Folly Farm in White River, Mpumalanga, bound for Grand Central Airport in Gauteng. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers. Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter failed to arrive at its destination as scheduled, prompting a search and rescue operation.
During the search, investigators utilized radio communications and mobile phone tracking to narrow the search area. An eyewitness on a local farm observed the grey helicopter flying west before it executed a right-hand turn and disappeared into dense mist. Moments later, a loud impact was heard. The wreckage was located later that day in a valley on the Zondagskraal farm, near the R36 road. The impact was severe, and all four people on board were killed.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and the circumstances surrounding the flight. The investigation established that the aircraft had been maintained according to regulations, with a recent engine oil change completed just days prior to the accident. The engine was found to be at a high power setting at the time of impact, and the fuel remaining was considered sufficient for the intended flight duration.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's credentials, noting that while the pilot held a valid private helicopter license and medical certificate, he did not possess an instrument flight (IF) rating. The investigation also noted that the pilot's logbook was not up to date and there was no formal flight plan or record of fuel uplift for this specific trip.
Findings
Analysis of the flight path and environmental conditions led to several key conclusions. The investigation determined that the primary cause of the accident was controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
Contributing factors included:
- Extremely poor visibility caused by heavy mist in the area.
- The pilot's lack of an instrument flight rating, which likely led to spatial disorientation while attempting to navigate through adverse weather.
- The pilot's attempt to execute a maneuver to avoid the mist, which resulted in the aircraft striking the terrain in a nose-down attitude.