History of the Flight
On Monday, 10 November 2025, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, registration ZS-DLF, was engaged in a pest-control operation flight. The pilot departed from Patensie Farm Airstrip in the Eastern Cape province and routed north-west toward Roodegrond Citrus Farm to begin a crop-spraying detail. The flight was conducted under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by day, in accordance with Part 137 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2011.
Earlier that morning, a different pilot had flown the same helicopter for 1.2 hours and reported no anomalies. After returning to Patensie Farm Airstrip to refuel and upload pest control moths, that pilot was joined by the accident pilot during the pre-flight check, refueling, and loading.
The accident pilot then departed and sprayed a few lines in a north-westerly direction and back. At approximately 0615Z, during a spray run in a south-easterly direction facing the morning sun, the main rotor mast impacted a 1000-Volt electric power line that ran across the flight path from a western hill.
Impact and Wreckage
The impact of the power line caused the main rotor to sever the tail boom, and both main rotor blades detached from the root hub. The helicopter crashed to the ground, left skid first, and came to rest on its right side between rows of citrus bushes, approximately 37 meters from the point of impact with the power line. The pilot was fatally injured, and the helicopter was destroyed during the accident sequence.
Location
The accident occurred at Roodegrond Citrus Farm near Patensie, at GPS coordinates 33°41'1" South 024°44'19" East, at an elevation of 192 feet.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was destroyed. No other injuries were reported. Other damage to property is not specified in the preliminary report.
Investigation
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) was notified and has appointed an investigator-in-charge. Notification was sent to the State of Registry, Operator, and Design and Manufacturer. The States did not appoint an accredited representative or advisor. The AIID is leading the investigation and will issue a final report in due course. This preliminary report is based on information gathered during the ongoing investigation and may be updated.