You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Tuesday 11 July 2023 |
| Time: | |
| Type: |  Robinson R22 Beta |
| Owner/operator: | |
| Registration: | ZS-HXU |
| MSN: | 1562 |
| Year of manufacture: | 1990 |
| Engine model: | Lycoming O-360-J2A |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Location: | Johannesburg-Grand Central Airport (GCJ/FAGC) -
 South Africa
|
| Phase: | Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.) |
| Nature: | Training |
| Departure airport: | Johannesburg-Grand Central Airport (GCJ/FAGC) |
| Johannesburg-Grand Central Airport (GCJ/FAGC) | |
| Investigating agency: | CAA S.A. |
| Confidence Rating: |  Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities |
The instructor stated that at 0950Z, they had completed three normal circuits. They then requested to perform autorotation from FAGC tower for the fourth circuit. FAGC tower granted them permission and they initiated the autorotation at 700 feet AGL. The instructor stated that at 150 feet AGL, the student pilot added power to recover but the engine did not respond. The instructor realised that the engine had stopped; he tried restarting the engine but did not have sufficient time. The helicopter lost height rapidly and crashed on Taxiway 17. The instructor and student pilot were not injured. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. The investigation team dispatched to the site and, with the assistance of the AMO, recovered the helicopter. The engine was tested, and it operated satisfactorily whilst still in the airframe with the main rotor blades removed and the clutch disengaged. In an interview with the crew, it was found that the engine stoppage was due to possible carburettor icing.
The temperature at the time of the occurrence was 7°C and dew point was 1°C. The dew point depression of 6°C gives a 65% relative humidity which results in serious icing probability in any power setting. The crew also stated thatthe carburettor heat knob/switch was off during the autorotation practise. According to the R22 POH, carburettor heat switch must always be during autorotation and when power setting is below 18 inches of mercury. The instructor, who was the pilot monitoring the instruments during this flight, stated that the power setting was between 14- 15 inches of mercury.
Sources:
CAA S.A.
History of this aircraft
Other occurrences involving this aircraft
| 13 June 2023 | ZS-HXU | 0 | Johannesburg-Grand Central Airport (GCJ/FAGC) | |
sub |
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 19-Aug-2023 17:50 | harro | Updated |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation