Robinson R44 crash near Cape Town, South Africa

On September 28, 2017, about 1000 coordinated universal time, a Robinson R44 II helicopter, South African registration ZS-OSL, was destroyed when it impacted terrain during an emergency autorotation near Cape Town, South Africa. The pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight that departed Cape Town International Airport (FACT), Cape Town, South Africa, about 0730.The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) is investigating the accident. As the State of Manufacture and Design of the helicopter and engine, the NTSB has appointed a US Accredited Representative under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13 to assist the AIID in its investigation. All inquiries concerning this accident should be directed to: South African Civil Aviation Authority Accidents and Incidents Investigation Division Private Bag X 73 Halfway House 1685 South Africa Tel.: +27 (0) 11 545-1055/1050 +27 (0) 83 461-6277 (24 hours) E-mail:AiidInbox@caa.co.za Fax: +27 (0) 11 545 1466 Website: http://www.caa.co.za This report is for informational purposes only. All investigative information will be released by the SACAA.