What happened
On 5 December 2019, a Robinson R44 helicopter, registration ZS-RRS, was performing agricultural spraying duties in the Semungu area of KwaZulu-Natal. The aircraft had departed from Entumeni as part of a coordinated operation involving a second helicopter, ZS-HIG, which was working in an adjacent section of the field.
During the low-level mission, the pilot of ZS-RRS struck high-tension powerlines that crossed the flight path. The impact caused a main rotor blade to detach, leading to a loss of control. The aircraft banked sharply and traveled approximately 50 metres over nearby farmhouses before crashing into the terrain. A post-impact fire broke out, destroying the aircraft. Although local farm residents reached the wreckage quickly and attempted to rescue the pilot, the pilot had already sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
An investigation by the SACAA AIID established that the accident occurred during daylight under visual meteorological conditions. The investigation noted that the pilot was a highly experienced commercial pilot with over 3,900 total flying hours, though at the time of the accident, he was still completing supervised flight hours to obtain a specific agricultural rating.
Investigators examined the wreckage and the site, noting that the powerlines involved were approximately 10 metres above the ground and were severed by the rotor blades upon impact. The investigation also reviewed the operational procedures of the two helicopters, which had been in constant radio communication until contact was lost at approximately 0900Z.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the collision with high-tension wires during a low-level agricultural operation.
- The impact with the powerlines resulted in the detachment of a rotor blade and subsequent loss of aircraft control.
- A significant contributing factor to the accident was a lack of situational awareness regarding the presence of the wires in the flight path.