Factual Information
On 21 November 2016, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-RVH, was involved in an accident on the farm Tweeriviere in the Moedwil area, North West province, South Africa. The helicopter was operated under Part 91 private flight rules. The accident occurred at GPS coordinates S25° 36' 19.0" E 027° 01' 25.0" at an elevation of 3,645 feet.
History of Flight
The flight was a darting operation targeting sable antelope. The pilot, accompanied by a veterinarian, had already darted several animals and were pursuing the last one. The sable was running south, and the pilot noted telephone lines ahead, planning to dart the animal once it crossed under those lines into an open area. However, the sable turned left along the telephone lines, and the pilot followed. The helicopter then collided with an electrical power line located 2.5 meters above the telephone line. The pilot lost control, and the helicopter crashed onto its skid gear, which broke off, and rolled onto its left side.
Injuries
The pilot sustained serious back injuries, and the veterinarian suffered fractures to his pelvis and right leg. Both were taken to a hospital in Rustenburg.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The right-side cabin was struck by a power line above the pilot's head, the windshield shattered, and the tail rotor cut another line, which became entangled. The skid gear detached, and the fuselage was extensively damaged. The instrument panel was dislodged, main rotor blades bent upward, and the tail rotor assembly was severed. The wreckage came to rest approximately 45 meters from the initial collision point.
Probable Cause
During low-level operations, the pilot focused on the animal to be darted and collided with a power line.