2016 Robinson R44 II Accident at Rooiberg Game Lodge (ZS-OWT)

Flight Details and Accident Sequence On 20 April 2016, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, registration ZS-OWT, was operating a commercial game darting mission in the Rooiberg area of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The aircraft was operated by True North Aviation and owned by Krokodilkraal Boerdery Trust. The pilot, holding a valid commercial pilot licence, was accompanied by a veterinarian and the game lodge owner. All four doors had been removed before the flight. During the operation, the pilot maneuvered the helicopter to allow the veterinarian to dart an animal. While executing a tight right-hand turn at low level, the low main rotor RPM audio warning sounded. With insufficient altitude to recover, the pilot initiated a forced landing straight ahead. Before ground contact, the main rotor blades struck several trees. The helicopter then made a hard landing, causing the skid gear to collapse and the lower vertical fin to impact the rocky terrain. ## Investigation Findings The accident occurred at 0600Z, approximately 10 minutes after take-off, at a GPS position of 24°47’54.42” South, 027°35’30.55” East, at an elevation of 4,900 feet (1,494 m) above mean sea level. The density altitude at the time and place was 6,200 feet. Weather conditions were CAVOK with light and variable surface winds and a temperature of 17°C, and were determined to have had no influence on the accident. The helicopter had a valid certificate of airworthiness, and the pilot had the type endorsement on his licence. A weight and balance calculation provided by the pilot showed a take-off weight of 2,278 pounds (1,033 kg), which was 222 pounds (101 kg) below the maximum take-off weight of 2,500 pounds as per the pilot’s operating handbook. Both fuel tanks were approximately half full, and ample fuel was on board. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, including deformation of the lower vertical fin, damage to a tree branch from main rotor blade contact, evidence of vegetation contact on the lower main rotor blade, and skid gear deformation consistent with a hard landing. ## Accident History The helicopter had a prior accident history. On 5 July 2007, at Grand Central aerodrome (FAGC), a student pilot started the engine without following the engine start procedure, increased the collective pitch lever, and the helicopter became airborne and yawed uncontrollably. On touchdown, the main rotor blades severed the tail boom. On 9 July 2010, the helicopter experienced an engine failure on a flight from Beestekraal to Lephalale. The pilot executed a forced landing in an open field but touched down hard, and the main rotor blades again severed the tail boom.