A00-049/7191
	SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY ACCIDENT REPORT – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Date of Accident	28 April 2000		Time of Accident			0410Z
Aircraft Registration	ZS-RHV		Type of Aircraft			Bell 407
Pilot-in-command Licence Type			Commercial			Licence Valid			Yes
Pilot-in-command Flying Experience			Total Flying Hours	1914,3		Total Hours on Type			Unknown
Type of Operation			Private
Last point of departure			Private farm, 20km North of Beaufort West
Next point of intended landing			Oudtshoorn
Location of the accident site with reference to easily defined geographical points (plus GPS readings if possible)
Private farm, 20km North of Beaufort West
Meteorological Information		Fine weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Number of people on board		1+1	No. of people injured		0		No. of people killed			1+1
Synopsis
On 27 April 2000, the pilot, accompanied by the owner, flew the helicopter from FAGC to the farm of the owner, situated approximately 10 NM North of Beaufort West. On 28 April 2000 at approximately 0410Z, the pilot and the owner left the farm, while it was still dark, on a private flight to Oudtshoorn. Within a few minutes after take-off the helicopter was destroyed by impact forces as it crashed, fatally injuring both occupants. Although fine weather conditions prevailed there was a possibility of fog patches in the vicinity at the time of the accident. A farm worker located the wreckage at approximately 08:30Z, later the day. The helicopter impacted the ground, which rises slightly to the south and to the east, in a southerly direction with the lateral axis level, but with a nose down attitude of approximately 45º. The length of the wreckage path, together with the severe break-up of the wreckage, is indicative of high forward speed during impact.
Probable Cause
Although it was not possible to conclusively determine the cause of this accident, it would appear that the accident resulted from Spatial disorientation, Vertigo and Loss of visual reference with the ground. It would also appear that the pilot deviated from Standard Operating Procedures by not climbing to the minimum prescribed heights.