On September 3, 2005, an Agusta Westland 109-K2 (registration ZS-RRB) was involved in an aviation accident near Crashed into the sea, Richards Bay Harbour, ZA. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division.
A helicopter crashed into the sea near Richards Bay on 3 September 2005 while winching a marine pilot from the port bridge wing of the coal carrier Alpha Afovos, contrary to the master's objections.
Incident Overview and Vessel Operations On 3 September 2005, the vessel Alpha Afovos completed loading a cargo of coal at berth 301, Richards Bay Coal Terminal, at 0850 hours. The discharge port for the cargo was Brindisi, Italy. A sailing time of 1100Z hours was agreed with the vessel agent, who contacted Richards Bay Port Control and arranged for a Marine Pilot to board and sail the vessel. By 1000Z hours, bridge gear had been tested and the engines placed on standby. ## Pilot Boarding and Helicopter Arrangement The Marine Pilot arrived on board at 1110Z hours, transported by car. He was met at the gangway and escorted to the bridge by the second officer. During this time, the pilot asked whether a helicopter could land on the vessel's deck. The second officer stated that it could land on No. 4 hatch covers. This was confirmed again during the pre-departure discussion between the master and the Marine Pilot. ## Vessel Departure and Preparations The vessel completed unberthing, and the tug was released at 1125Z hours. The vessel then proceeded under its own power towards the harbour entrance channel. At this time, the Chief Officer and his rescue team assembled at No. 3 hatch in preparation for the Marine Pilot to disembark by helicopter. On the bridge were the master, the Marine Pilot, A.B. Reiner, P. Bereber at the helm, and the duty second officer, Gerrie P. Bacong. The extra second officer, Ioannis Vrettos, and deck apprentice officer Michail Aliprantis were also summoned to the bridge to assist with escorting the Marine Pilot's bags to the helicopter embarkation area at No. 4 hatch. ## Disembarkation Method and Objections Communication between the master and the Marine Pilot was conducted in English and was described as well understood, cordial, and friendly. As the vessel entered the harbour channel, the Marine Pilot advised that he would be winched off the port bridge wing. The master objected to this method and insisted that the helicopter should land on No. 4 hatch covers. However, at 1134Z hours, the helicopter was adjacent to the main mast, above the bridge wing, waiting to hoist the Marine Pilot. Despite the master's repeated objections, the pilot reconfirmed that he would leave via the port bridge wing. ## Crash Sequence At 1134Z hours, the vessel was proceeding down the channel towards the anchorage area at a speed of 6.5 to 7 knots, with engines on half ahead. The wind was from the north-northeast at Beaufort Force 5 to 6, blowing beam on to the port side of the vessel. At 1145Z hours, the Marine Pilot fitted his harness on the port bridge wing, and the helicopter commenced winching him up. The master was at the starboard radar console, conning the vessel, while the other four crew members were in the bridge area to escape the helicopter's down draft. The master heard a “pop pop pop pop” noise from the helicopter, indicating possible trouble, but did not see what happened. Due to the restricted area inside the breakwater, the master continued steaming out to sea to ensure the safety of the vessel and crew. The second officer, Ioannis Vrettos, rushed to the starboard bridge wing and reported that the helicopter was in the sea on the starboard quarter of the vessel, upright but with its nose underwater. Crew members threw life rings into the water to assist with the possible rescue of the helicopter crew. ## Aftermath and Reporting At 1146Z hours, the master advised Richards Bay Port Control by VHF on Channel 16 that the helicopter had crashed into the sea at GPS position S 28° 48.7, E 032° 05.8. Once cleared of the harbour entrance, the master was requested by Port Control to anchor off the port to assist with enquiries into the incident. ## Chief Officer's Account The Chief Officer stated that after the vessel left the Coal Quay and proceeded towards the harbour access channel at approximately 1120Z hours, he, along with the Bosun and several able seamen representing the rescue team for helicopter operations, took up position at the aft end of No. 3 hatch cover. They rigged fire hoses and fire extinguishers in anticipation of the Marine Pilot departing by helicopter from No. 4 hatch cover, the designated helicopter access point. As the vessel proceeded down the harbour channel, the Chief Officer saw the helicopter approach and hover above the port bridge wing. The helicopter was hovering approximately 6 to 7 meters above the bridge wing when the pilot was being hoisted. The Chief Officer observed the Marine Pilot, attached by a hoist wire to the helicopter, bend his legs to clear the vessel's bridge wing bulwark/railing. As the pilot did this, the helicopter appeared to wobble, and the helicopter blades then struck the vessel. The helicopter crossed from the port to the starboard side of the vessel, falling into the sea on the starboard side. The Chief Officer and the rescue team rushed to the stern section of the vessel and threw life rings into the water to assist with the rescue of the helicopter crew. No further action could be taken at that immediate moment.