Robinson R44 Raven II Forced Landing in South Africa (ZS-PXP)

Accident Overview and Flight History On 12 February 2014, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-PXP, operated by Maf Toy Auto CC, departed from Setlakgole Aerodrome in Mahikeng, North West Province, South Africa. The aircraft was conducting a game-capturing operation under the provisions of Part 127 of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations. The pilot, a 46-year-old commercial pilot with 698 total flying hours, was accompanied by one passenger. A visual meteorological conditions (VMC) flight plan was filed prior to departure. ## Accident Sequence According to the pilot's post-accident interview, the helicopter had been airborne for approximately 35 minutes when the engine suddenly lost power. At the time of the power loss, the aircraft was flying at an indicated airspeed of 40 knots and a height of 60 metres above ground level. The pilot attempted to recover the helicopter by applying power with the throttle but was unsuccessful. Consequently, the pilot executed a forced landing in dense, bushy terrain in a westerly direction. ## Damage and Injuries Upon touchdown, the helicopter landed hard on its skids, and the main rotor blades severed the tail boom. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but no injuries were reported to the pilot or passenger. No fire occurred. The pilot immediately switched off the electrical systems, unbuckled himself and the passenger, and vacated the helicopter. The pilot contacted his superior via mobile phone to report the occurrence. ## Investigation Findings The post-accident investigation did not identify any defects of the engine that could have contributed to the accident. The investigation concluded that the pilot inadvertently switched the hydraulic system OFF during the flight. The probable cause of the accident was determined to be poor technique. The accident site was located at Farm Stella in the Mafikeng area, at GPS coordinates South 26° 12.049’ East 024° 43.960’, at an elevation of 4,115 feet above mean sea level.