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Robinson R44 Astro Forced Landing in South Africa (ZS-RHY)

Private farm near Witbank, ZA

On November 3, 2018, a Robinson R44 Astro (registration ZS-RHY) was involved in an aviation accident near Private farm near Witbank, ZA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A decay in main rotor RPM induced by a down-draft on the leeward side of mountainous terrain, resulting in an unsuccessful forced landing onto rocky terrain. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.

Sourcesthe South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations DivisionPrimary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards

A Robinson R44 Astro (ZS-RHY) made an unsuccessful forced landing on rocky mountainous terrain near Witbank, South Africa, on 3 November 2018, following a decay in main rotor RPM. No injuries were reported.

Incident Overview and Location details on 3 November 2018, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Astro, registration ZS-RHY, was involved in an accident near Witbank, South Africa. The aircraft was conducting a private Part 91 operation when it made an unsuccessful forced landing on rocky terrain at a private farm. The accident site was located at GPS coordinates 25°47.718’ South, 029°20.174’ East, at an elevation of 4,895 feet above mean sea level. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, but none of the four occupants on board were injured. The pilot and three passengers, including a four-year-old child, were properly restrained during the flight, which contributed to the survivability of the accident.

Probable cause

A decay in main rotor RPM induced by a down-draft on the leeward side of mountainous terrain, resulting in an unsuccessful forced landing onto rocky terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Nov 2018 Robinson R44 Astro accident near Private farm near Witbank, ZA?

A Robinson R44 Astro (ZS-RHY) made an unsuccessful forced landing on rocky mountainous terrain near Witbank, South Africa, on 3 November 2018, following a decay in main rotor RPM. No injuries were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Nov 2018 Robinson R44 Astro accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Nov 2018 involved a Robinson R44 Astro, registration ZS-RHY, at Private farm near Witbank, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A decay in main rotor RPM induced by a down-draft on the leeward side of mountainous terrain, resulting in an unsuccessful forced landing onto rocky terrain.

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