What happened
On the morning of 6 October 2015, a Bell 206BIII helicopter, registration ZS-HDW, was engaged in a commercial operation to transport maintenance personnel and equipment to a remote telecommunications site on Blouberg Mountain. After departing Rand Aerodrome and refueling at Polokwane, the aircraft landed in an open field near Blouberg Hospital in Bochum, Limpopo, to pick up passengers and cargo, which included diesel containers.
During the takeoff sequence, the pilot attempted to extend the takeoff run by maneuvering near a treeline to utilize ground effect. Approximately 160 meters into the takeoff run, the aircraft struck electrical conductors positioned roughly 9 meters above the ground. The impact caused the pilot to lose control, leading the helicopter to crash 1s0 meters further on into a residential yard. A post-impact fire, fueled by the aircraft's fuel load, consumed the wreckage. While one passenger managed to escape the burning debris, the pilot and a second passenger perished in the fire.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance, and operational procedures. Investigators reviewed video footage from a bystander, which confirmed the aircraft's flight path and the moment of collision with the wires. The inquiry also looked into the weight and balance of the aircraft, noting that the exact weight of the passengers, a heavy toolbox, and the total fuel load could not be precisely determined at the time of the accident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with electrical wires during the takeoff phase.
- The aircraft was not equipped with a wire strike protection device.
- There were no hazard identification markers present on the electrical conductors at the time of the incident.
- The pilot was not familiar with the specific takeoff area.
- The aircraft's weight and balance at takeoff could not be accurately verified due to unknown variables, including the weight of a heavy toolbox and the precise fuel status.
- Operational discrepancies were noted, including the lack of passenger manifests or tickets being issued to the occupants prior to departure.
Safety action
Following the investigation, recommendations were made to the Director of Civil Aviation to improve the oversight of helicopter operators. Specifically, it was recommended that the regulatory audit process for Air Operator Certificate (AOC) renewals be amended to include Dangerous Goods Inspectors, ensuring that audits properly account for the complexities of transporting hazardous materials.