2018 Robinson R44 Raven II Accident in South Africa (ZS-MZS)

Accident Overview and Flight Details On 1 June 2018, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter, registration ZS-MZS, was destroyed in a crash in South Africa. The aircraft, operated by Marico Hill Game Lodge (Pty) Ltd, departed Rustenburg Aerodrome (FARG) in the North West Province at approximately 0900Z for a private flight under visual flight rules. The intended destination was Zebula Golf Estate & Spa Aerodrome in Limpopo Province. The accident occurred at 0940Z at Lumarie Game Farm, located 8 nautical miles south-west of the destination aerodrome. The site was at GPS coordinates S24°52’07.71” E027°52’27.97” with an elevation of 3,920 feet. ## Personnel and Aircraft Information The helicopter carried two occupants: a 36-year-old male pilot-in-command and one passenger. Both were fatally injured. The pilot held a valid Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter) and had a total of 406.8 flying hours, including 68.6 hours on the Robinson R44 type. The aircraft, serial number 12180, was manufactured on 20 February 2008 and had 653.6 total airframe hours at the time of the accident. ## Accident Sequence and Investigation Eyewitnesses near Quinta Domingo Farm gate observed the helicopter approaching from the south. It hovered at a low height of less than 150 feet above ground level before moving forward, losing height, and making a left turn. The helicopter then rolled to the left and crashed in a nose-down attitude. A main rotor blade separated during the sequence, damaging a perimeter fence. There was no pre- or post-impact fire. The investigation noted a possible debonding of the blade skin from a main rotor spar, which could have caused destabilization, though this was not conclusively proven. It was probable that the helicopter entered a transverse flow effect during forward movement, causing a roll to the right. The pilot's overcompensation with the cyclic control to the left resulted in a loss of control and the subsequent crash.