What happened
On 22 September 2014, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-RUU, was conducting a commercial vegetation survey in the Himeville area of KwaZulu-Natal. The flight, operated by E’Scape Airtours Charters and Transfers CC, was traveling from Underberg to survey alien vegetation for the Agricultural Research Council.
While flying through a valley, the pilot encountered high-tension electrical wires spanning the terrain. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing a loud bang followed by an explosion and seeing black smoke. Upon investigation, contractors discovered the wreckage of the aircraft. The impact and subsequent post-impact fire resulted in two fatalities, including the pilot and a passenger. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the fire.
The investigation
Investigators from the SACAA AIID examined the wreckage and the surrounding environment to determine the sequence of events. The investigation focused on the flight path, the condition of the aircraft, and the presence of obstacles in the valley.
While high-tension wires were present in the area, physical evidence on the aircraft—specifically the lack of impact marks on the airframe—indicated that the helicopter did not actually strike the cables. The investigation also reviewed maintenance records, which confirmed the aircraft had undergone a mandatory periodic inspection shortly before the accident and held a valid certificate of airworthiness.
Findings
- The pilot was properly licensed and medically certified for the operation.
- The pilot did not notice the electrical wires until the aircraft was in very close proximity to them.
- In an attempt to avoid a collision with the wires, the pilot performed an evasive maneuver involving a sharp pull on the cyclic control.
- During this sudden movement, the main rotor blades struck the helicopter's own tail boom, severing it.
- The loss of the tail boom rendered the aircraft uncontrollable, leading to the fatal ground impact.
- Weather conditions were clear with good visibility and did not contribute to the accident.