Robinson R44 Raven II Accident at Cradock Peak (ZS-RAX)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 17 January 2015, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-RAX, operated by LCT Communications CC, departed George aerodrome (FAGG) in the Western Cape province for a private flight to Cradock Peak. The pilot, a 47-year-old male with a private licence, was accompanied by two passengers. The flight was intended to observe the landscape from the mountain peak before returning to FAGG. The helicopter climbed to 6,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL) and flew north at 70 knots. Before landing, the pilot circled the peak three times to assess the landing site and wind direction. During the final approach, a low rotor RPM/blade stall warning light and annunciator horn activated. The pilot lowered the collective to recover rotor RPM but was unsuccessful. The helicopter drifted and landed hard on a rocky slope, damaging the skids and lower fuselage. The main rotor struck the tail boom, severing its top. The helicopter remained upright, and all occupants disembarked uninjured. ## Investigation Findings The accident occurred at GPS coordinates South 33°53′68″, East 022°27′59″, at an elevation of approximately 5,177 feet AMSL, about 7.9 nautical miles north of FAGG. Meteorological conditions were temperate at 20°C, with clear skies, 10 km visibility, and light south-easterly winds. The investigation concluded that downdraft conditions in the area at the time the pilot initiated the landing contributed to the accident. The probable cause was identified as poor technique. The pilot had landed at this site numerous times previously but had not completed a mountain flying course. The aircraft had 962.3 total airframe hours at the time of the accident, with 26.1 hours since the last major periodic inspection.