Ref: 7234
	SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY ACCIDENT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Date of Accident	18 August 2000		Time of Accident				1115Z
Aircraft Registration	ZS-RFB		Type of Aircraft				ROBINSON R44
Pilot-in-command Licence Type			Private				Licence Valid			Yes
Pilot-in-command Flying Experience			Total Flying Hours		4100		Total Hours on Type			395
Type of Operation			Private
Last point of departure			Private game farm, 8NM north-east of Vaalwater
Next point of intended landing			Private game farm, 8NM north-east of Vaalwater
Location of the accident site with reference to easily defined geographical points (plus GPS readings if possible)
Private game farm, 8NM north-east of Vaalwater
Meteorological Information		Fine
Number of people on board		1+2		No. of people injured		0		No. of people killed			0
Synopsis
The pilot reported that there was a loss of power and he decided to carry out a precautionary landing in an open area. The reported loss of engine power is not supported by the video. It is clear that the pilot held the helicopter in a hover and then landed in the vicinity of tall grass. The pilot held a valid Private Pilot’s Licence and the aircraft type was endorsed onto his licence. According to available documentation the aircraft was serviceable prior to the accident. The engine was partially dismantled and examined, but no defects were found that could have led to a loss of power or an engine failure. However, due to the fire damage it was not possible to examine the fuel system of the helicopter, nor the engine’s electrical system. The helicopter, as well as a large area of grassland was destroyed during the ensuing fire. During the on-site investigation and from the video, it was observed that the grass in the immediate area around the helicopter was dry and on average about 30 cm high.
Probable Cause
The pilot landed the helicopter in the vicinity of tall grass. From the video it would appear that the helicopter set fire to the surrounding grass, which in turn set the helicopter on fire.