History of Flight
On 17 September 2015, at approximately 0649Z, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-RGK, was engaged in an aerial livestock inspection at Hillcrest Game Farm, Wolmaranstad, North West Province. The pilot, accompanied by a passenger, had just completed refueling. During lift-off transition, the helicopter experienced an uncommanded yaw to the right. The right skid gear tip became hooked onto a refueling bowser located approximately 3 meters from the take-off spot. The pilot attempted to control the helicopter but was unsuccessful. The helicopter tilted forward, causing the main rotor blades to strike the ground, followed by the nose contacting the ground. The right skid fractured, freeing the helicopter from the bowser. The helicopter then continued with an uncontrollable yaw and made hard contact with the tail section, causing the tail skid to break off and the tail rotor blades to strike the ground. The tail rotor drive gearbox assembly failed from its attachment point. The helicopter came to rest on its skids, facing approximately 180 degrees from the original lift-off position. The pilot and passenger disembarked unassisted.
Damage to Aircraft
The helicopter sustained substantial damage, including damage to the main rotor blades, cockpit windshield, tail rotor skid, tail rotor blades, tail rotor gearbox assembly, and vertical stabilizer. The refueling bowser sustained minor bending damage from the impact.
Meteorological Information
The accident occurred during daylight conditions. Wind was from the northwest at light speed, air temperature 18°C, visibility 9999, and nil cloud cover.
Injuries to Persons
Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained injuries.
Probable Cause
The helicopter during lift transition collided with a fuel bowser and the pilot was unable to recover from the induced loss of stability (dynamic roll over).