What happened
On 27 March 2014, a Robinson R2/2 Beta helicopter, registration ZS-RHC, was conducting a flight test at Freeway Airport near Pretoria. The flight was part of an annual private pilot license renewal for the student pilot, accompanied by an instructor. After successfully completing several confined landings and four simulated autorotations, the crew began climbing to regain altitude and airspeed.
While the aircraft was at approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL) and traveling at a speed between 40 and 50 knots, the instructor initiated a further simulated engine failure by reducing power. The crew quickly realized the aircraft was too low to recover. During the attempted recovery, the main rotor RPM plummeted to 60%, leaving no time to increase engine power. The helicopter struck the ground with a high sink rate, causing the tail boom to sever upon impact and the skids to fail. The instructor escaped without injury, but the pilot sustained serious facial injuries and minor back injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and flight history to determine the cause of the crash. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had been properly maintained and was operating within manufacturer weight limits. The weather conditions at the time of the accident were favorable, with light winds and clear visibility. The investigation also noted that the aircraft was not equipped with flight recorders, as they are not required for this class of helicopter.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was poor judgement by the instructor, who initiated the simulated engine failure at an altitude and speed that provided insufficient margin for recovery.
- A contributing factor was the insufficient airspeed and height of the aircraft at the moment the power was reduced.
- The physical damage to the ZS-RHC was extensive, including significant damage to the airframe, main rotor, and tail rotor.