History of Flight
On 20 May 2017, a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration ZS-RIT, was conducting agricultural spraying operations in the Port Shepstone area of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The pilot had departed Margate Airport (FAMG) at approximately 0830Z with both doors removed to save weight. The helicopter relocated to a loading zone 1.3 nm east of the spray zone, where insecticide was mixed and loaded.
After spraying five sugar cane fields, the assistant prepared 50 litres of spray solution and filled the helicopter with 12 litres of AVGAS 100LL. The helicopter took off at 1140Z for the sixth field, climbing to 500 ft AGL. The helicopter descended to approximately 6 ft AGL and began spraying from east to west. Near the end of the field, the pilot initiated a climb to turn for the return leg.
During the climb, the helicopter's main rotor blades impacted three high tension power cables running north-south across the field. The main rotor blades flexed downwards, severing the tail boom into two pieces and damaging the tail rotor and spray equipment. The pilot lost control, and the helicopter entered an uncontrollable spin, crashing approximately 60 meters west of the point of impact into a stream. The pilot was fatally injured, and the helicopter was destroyed.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained fatal injuries. No other persons were on board. The helicopter was destroyed, with debris scattered between the power cables and the crash site. The high tension cables did not break, and there was no evidence of fuel spillage or fire.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Robinson R22 (serial number 4119) was manufactured in 2006 with a total airframe time of 1921.8 hours. The last mandatory periodic inspection was on 26 April 2017 at 1890.8 hours. The engine was a Lycoming O-360-J2A. Weight and balance were within limits.
The pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence with agricultural, test pilot, and instructor ratings, and 1603.6 total flying hours, including 1044.2 hours on type. The medical certificate was valid until 31 December 2017 with a restriction for corrective lenses. The pilot had a previous accident on 27 February 2017 involving a dynamic rollover during a climb.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather conditions were calm with light and variable wind, visibility 9999, clear sky, temperature 29°C, and dew point 12°C.
Wreckage and Impact
The wreckage was located at GPS coordinates S30°42'55" E030°26'08.9" at an elevation of 44 ft. The helicopter came to rest against the bank of a shallow stream, not submerged. Debris included fuselage panels, tail rotor, and tail boom sections scattered between the power cables and the main wreckage.
Probable Cause
The helicopter impacted high tension electrical cables during a climb.