What happened
On 28 April 2018, a Bell 206L-4 helicopter, registration ZS-REG, was conducting a private scenic flight over the Kuschke Nature Reserve in Limpopo. The flight, which included the pilot and six passengers, was intended to view local wildlife. After approximately 15 minutes of low-level sightseeing, the pilot attempted to transition from a low-speed flight pattern to a right turn to return to the departure farm.
During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a violent swing to the right, entering a spiral dive. The helicopter completed three full revolutions before impacting dense, bushy terrain. While the pilot attempted to regain control near the ground, the impact was unavoidable. The aircraft sustained severe damage, including the separation of the tail boom and the destruction of the skids. All seven occupants sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the wreckage and flight parameters to determine the cause of the loss of control. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was operating near its maximum all-up weight (MAUW) and was close to its center of gravity limits. Meteorological data indicated overcast conditions with mist present, which may have added to the pilot's workload.
Technical analysis of the wreckage showed that the engine was still producing power at the moment of impact. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience, noting that while the pilot held a valid license, they had only 41 hours of flight time specifically on this helicopter type.