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2014 Robinson R44 II Accident in Limpopo (ZS-RRL)

Private farm Krokodilstraat in Limpopo, ZA

On October 14, 2014, a Robinson R44 II (registration ZS-RRL) was involved in an aviation accident near Private farm Krokodilstraat in Limpopo, ZA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The helicopter main rotor blade impacted a tree resulting in loss of control and subsequently crashed. 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 crashed in Limpopo, South Africa, on 14 October 2014. The sole pilot was killed when the main rotor blade struck a tree shortly after take-off, leading to a fatal impact and post-impact fire.

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 14 October 2014, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration ZS-RRL, departed from a private farm in Limpopo, South Africa, at approximately 0430Z. The aircraft was operating under private Part 91 rules on a local flight to another private farm in the same province. The pilot, a 52-year-old male with a valid private helicopter licence, was the sole occupant. Shortly after take-off, while flying in an easterly direction, the main rotor blade struck a tree in bushy terrain approximately 500 metres from the departure point. The impact caused the rotor blade to fracture near the rotor head transmission assembly. The helicopter then rolled over onto its left side while the main rotor was still spinning, and a post-impact fire destroyed the main wreckage. The pilot was fatally injured by the impact forces and the subsequent fire.

Probable cause

The helicopter main rotor blade impacted a tree resulting in loss of control and subsequently crashed.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Oct 2014 Robinson R44 II accident near Private farm Krokodilstraat in Limpopo, ZA?

A Robinson R44 II helicopter crashed in Limpopo, South Africa, on 14 October 2014. The sole pilot was killed when the main rotor blade struck a tree shortly after take-off, leading to a fatal impact and post-impact fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Oct 2014 Robinson R44 II accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Oct 2014 involved a Robinson R44 II, registration ZS-RRL, at Private farm Krokodilstraat in Limpopo, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The helicopter main rotor blade impacted a tree resulting in loss of control and subsequently crashed.

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