WHEN THE CHALLENGE IS MET

On 2 November 2021 at 09h25Z, a pilot and a passenger on-board a Bell 206L helicopter with registration ZS-HDX were engaged in a repositioning flight operation from Rand Airport (FAGM) in Gauteng province to Buffels Mine near Klerksdorp in the North West province.

- CHARLIE MARAIS

SACAA description:

Approximately 35 minutes into the flight during the cruise phase, the pilot noticed an engine out warning light. Thereafter, he noticed that the cockpit indicators were on zero for the oil pressure, torque and gas generator (Ng). The rotor revolutions per minute (RRPM) and transmission oil temperature (TOT) gauges indications were normal. Immediately thereafter, a loud bang was heard, followed by a low RRPM warning which got activated. The pilot then induced autorotation and turned the helicopter into wind in preparation for a forced landing. However, all pedal controls were lost but the pilot was able to execute a successful forced landing and, thereafter, shut down the helicopter engine. A post-landing fire erupted in the engine bay, which the pilot extinguished using the on-board portable fire extinguisher. The pilot and the passenger did not sustain any injuries. The helicopter sustained damages to the engine, cowling, fuselage, tail rotor drive shaft and one main rotor blade.

Comments by Charlie Marais

This investigation is ongoing and the final reports will follow when the investigation is completed. In this case there is, I believe, sufficient evidence that the adverse situation had a technical point of departure. No pilot error in precipitating the accident sequence. Then, why would I talk about this one? As in many other cases, the malfunction happened without crew participation, but then the crew was stuck with the effect of the cause. I will spend some time in commenting on handling the effect, as a matter of post-cause.