What happened
On 30 July 2019, a Bell 47G-3B-1 helicopter, registration ZS-HGY, was conducting a game culling operation near Tshwarelano Game Lodge in the Limpopo Province. While flying at approximately 200 feet above ground level, the aircraft experienced a sudden vibration in the tail rotor section.
Following the vibration, the helicopter began a rapid clockwise rotation, spinning approximately six times. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, leading to a ground impact. While the passenger managed to escape the wreckage, the pilot was found unconscious inside the cockpit. A post-impact fire subsequently broke out, destroying the helicopter and resulting in one fatality and two serious injuries.