Two R44s committed to fight against rhino poaching
Source: IOL, 15-May-13
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has given the green light for a R4-million sponsorship of two anti-rhino poaching helicopters as well as securing two fixed-wing aircraft to bolster the fight against the onslaught of rhino poaching in KZN. (See Full Story)
UTair South Africa becomes official supplier to UN
Source: UTair, 14-May-13
[electronic translation] Airline UTair South Africa (South Africa), part of the air group, “UTair”, registered as an official supplier of aviation services to the United Nations. Registered preceded by the successful completion of the airline technical audit for compliance with ICAO aviation and UN standards. Since 2004, UTair South Africa performs a series of air services [...]
23-Apr-13 ZS-HLS Robinson R44 Schoemanskloof, South Africa (4F)
23-Apr-13
Helicopter departed Nelspruit, picked up passengers at Casterbridge and was en route to Grand Central, but crashed in an open field. Visibility is quoted in press reports as a possible factor. The victims were named as Nicholas More, Pierre de Villiers, Lance Cooper and Elmarie Martens.
16-Apr-13 Mahikeng, South Africa
16-Apr-13
Helicopter crashed into water. only tail visible. Early reports only – one of which says it is a fixed-wing. Will update later
Tourist sues South African R44 pilot after crash
Source: IOL NEWS, 10-Apr-13
Argentine passenger in R44 accident sues the pilot – her boyfriend’s father (see full story).
Russian Helicopters launches South Africa service centre with Denel Aviation
Source: Russian Helicopters, 03-Apr-13
Russian Helicopters, part of state defence holding Oboronprom and a leading global designer and manufacturer of helicopters, and Denel Aviation of South Africa have opened a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre in South Africa for Russian-built helicopters, strengthening Russian Helicopters’ position in the African market. The MRO centre was launched on 26 March 2013 [...]
03-Apr-13 Robinson R44 Nylstroom, South Africa (1F)
03-Apr-13
Unknown circumstances. Wreck found next morning after failing to arrive at intended destination
29-Mar-13 AgustaWestland A109LUH Kruger, South Africa (5F)
29-Mar-13
Helicopter crashed during rhino poaching patrols. Al five POB killed – later named as Captain Jacobus Andries van Rensburg; Captain MP Chabalala; Sergeant Paulus Shongela Ndishishi; Sergeant GP Ruiters and Lance Corporal Bheki Petros Cele
23-Mar-13 ZS-HSR Bell 206B Petermaritzburg, South Africa
23-Mar-13
Helicopter substantially damaged in emergency landing on road. Bridegroom Rishi Ramdeo, his parents Vijay and Danmathie and best man Robert Soogram were injured after their helicopter crashed outside the wedding venue. The pilot and the groom were reported in a critical condition and the other occupants were treated for mild to serious injuries.
Starlite lease in two Bell 412s for Namibia contract
Source: HeliHub.com, 15-Feb-13
South African operator Starlite Aviation are leasing in two Bell 412s from Falcon Aviation Services in the UAE, with delivery expected imminently. The pair have been leased in for an initial twelve months to support an offshore oil exploration contract off the coast of Namibia, starting in March 2013. They will initially be based at [...]
ExecuJet Africa showcasing helicopter charter at Mining Indaba 2013
Source: ExecuJet Africa, 04-Feb-13
ExecuJet Africa, the continent’s leading business aviation company, is once again exhibiting at the Mining Indaba 2013 event from 4-7 February in Cape Town. The company will be showcasing its full suite of business aviation services, including helicopter charter solutions. ExecuJet Africa will be at stand 1919 highlighting its services of helicopter management, rotary wing [...]
South African mlitary defends Alouette III disposals to Zimbabwe
Source: IOL, 29-Jan-13
The SA National Defence Force has defended the disposal of military helicopter airframes and spares to Zimbabwe amid threats of legal action to stop the move. (see full story)
South Africa court halts export of Alouette IIIs to Zimbabwe
Source: AfriForum, 27-Jan-13
An urgent interim court order was awarded to AfriForum late this afternoon by the North Gauteng High Court to prevent delivery of Alouette III Air Force helicopters by the South African National Defence Force to the Zimbabwean army. The interim order shall stand pending the finalisation of the main application by 19 February 2013. AfriForum [...]
25-Jan-13 ZS-RYP Robinson R44 Grey Goose, South Africa
25-Jan-13
Helicopter came down after hitting powerlines. Pilot Francois Liebenberg and his two passengers were all taken to hospital with injuries. Close up video tour of wreckage here on YouTube
18-Jan-13 ZU-HRS Westland-Bell 47G.3B.1 Hibberdene, South Africa
18-Jan-13
Pilot heard a change in the engine pitch and managed an emergency landing before the helicopter burst into flames. Agricultural ops
ExecuJet Africa Adds Helicopters to Charter Fleet
Source: ExecuJet Africa, 04-Dec-12
ExecuJet Africa has teamed up with Acher Aviation, leaders in off-shore helicopter operations, to offer a range of services including helicopter management and charter, as well as specialised support to the oil, gas, mining and resource exploration sectors. ExecuJet’s fleet now includes three helicopters from Acher Aviation, including a Bell 407, an Agusta 109 Power [...]
22-Nov-12 ZU-RFB Eurocopter SE3160 Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
22-Nov-12
Engine failure. Rolled over on landing
Starlite is launch customer of Eurocopter AS332C1e Super Puma
Source: Eurocopter, 09-Nov-12
Eurocopter and Starlite Aviation Group have signed a contract for the acquisition of two AS332 C1e helicopters, the latest version of the popular Eurocopter Super Puma medium weight helicopter. The contract also includes an option for two additional aircraft. First deliveries will take place before the end of 2013, following EASA and FAA certification. The [...]
South African military under-achieves on helicopter flight hours
Source: HeliHub.com, 02-Nov-12
The South African Air Force has released its Annual Report for the year to 31 March 2012 as a 398 page PDF file. Under the analysis of helicopter capability, it notes that the target of 12,500 flying hours in the year was under-achieved, and only 10,333.26 hours were flown. The excuse given was “The low [...]
AgustaWestland signs support contract for South Africa’s AW109LUH fleet
Source: AgustaWestland, 23-Sep-12
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the signing of a comprehensive service support contract for the South African Air Force’s fleet of AW109LUH helicopters. The annual contract includes the provision for it to be extended for up to 5 years. Under the contract AgustaWestland will be responsible for the delivery and provision of [...]
Denel Aviation and Russian Helicopters sign maintenance agreement
Source: Russian Helicopters, 20-Sep-12
Denel Aviation, South Africa’s largest defence equipment manufacturer, and UIC Oboronprom, the parent company of Russian Helicopters, announce that they have signed a Teaming agreement to create a servicing hub for Russian-made military and commercial helicopters in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Teaming agreement was signed today at the 7th Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD) at [...]
Eurocopter Southern Africa hosts airborne law enforcement seminar
Source: DefenceWeb, 19-Sep-12
Representatives from law enforcement agencies and police forces from around the world gathered in Centurion, South Africa, on Monday for the 3rd biennial airborne law enforcement seminar being hosted by Eurocopter Southern Africa. (see full story)
19-Sep-12 ZS-HGG Robinson R44 Rand Airport, South Africa
19-Sep-12
R44 extensively damaged and all three POB to hospital with injuries. Helicopter ended up on its port side (see photos)
19-Aug-12 ZS-HIW Bell 206B Douglas, South Africa
19-Aug-12
Loss of control landing in strong winds – main blades hit building
National Airways delivers first Bell 407GX in Africa
Source: Bell, 13-Aug-12
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today that National Airways Corporation, a Bell Helicopter independent representative, delivered the first Bell 407GX to be operated in Africa. The 407GX will be operated by a private customer in a corporate capacity. “The technology found on the Bell 407GX is unique in the helicopter industry,” [...]
Register Update – South Africa – July 2012
Source: HeliHub.com, 08-Aug-12
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
27-Jul-12 Bell UH-1 Catha Village, South Africa (1F)
27-Jul-12
Weather conditions were described as adverse with winds up to 80km/h. The helicopter was dousing veld fires in the mountains on behalf of the Department of Water Affairs
19-Jul-12 ZS-RUI Robinson R44 Witfontein, South Africa
19-Jul-12
Shortly after dropping two passengers, helicopter had problem on take-off and it crashed onto its starboard side. Pilot Christoffel Myburgh sustained head injuries
12-Jul-12 ZS-HIG Robinson R44 Grand Central, South Africa
12-Jul-12
Helicopter landed heavily and fell onto its side
Register Update – South Africa – June 2012
Source: HeliHub.com, 04-Jul-12
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
30-Jun-12 Kimberley, South Africa
30-Jun-12
Emergency landing on farm, helicopter caught fire. Sole occupant, an instructor on a positioning flight, not seriously injured.
South African Air Force buys 6 Particle Separators
Source: Airwork, 26-Jun-12
In May 2012 the South African Air Force took delivery and installed the first of six Airwork BK117 Particle Separators (Sand Filters), seen above in grey. The Airwork particle separator replaced an existing Eurocopter design and early indications are that the SAAF is extremely happy with its performance. With the new filters fitted a decrease [...]
Helicopter pilot appointed chief of South African Air Force
Source: South African Air Force, 26-Jun-12
C SANDF has pleasure in announcing the appointment of Major General Fabian Zimpande (ZAKES) Msimang as the new Chief of the South Africa Air Force with effect from 01 October 2012. Maj Gen Msimang intergrated into the South African National Defence Force in 1994 after the first democratic Elections as a qualified pilot on the [...]
Eurocopter establishes Africa’s first full motion Helicopter Simulator
Source: Eurocopter, 19-Jun-12
Africa’s first full-motion helicopter flight simulator has been commissioned by Eurocopter in Kempton Park, the world’s leading manufacturer of civil and military rotorwing aircraft. The simulator, designed to train pilots and flight engineers operating Super Puma and similarly compatible helicopters including the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) Oryx , is located at the SimAero training [...]
Final Rooivalk to be delivered to SAAF in August
15-Jun-12
The last of eleven upgraded Rooivalk attack helicopters will be delivered to the South African Air Force at the end of August (see full story)
Denel Aerostructures turnaround to take longer than first hoped
Source: Engineering News, 08-Jun-12
Denel Aerostructures has produced rotor blades and rotor heads for the AgustaWestland A109 and A119 helicopters and manufactures drop tanks for the Rooivalk attack helicopter. (see full story)
Register Update – South Africa – May 2012
Source: HeliHub.com, 05-Jun-12
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
Thales wins support contract for South African Rooivalk and Super Lynx
Source: Thales, 30-May-12
Thales has been successfully selected by the South African Department of Defence, South African Air Force and ARMSCOR (Armaments Corporation of South Africa Ltd) for a five years Through Life Support [TLS] of all Thales avionics equipment on-board several fleets of aircrafts. Under the terms of the multi-year contract signed with Armscor, Thales will support [...]
27-May-12 ZS-HRZ Bell 206B Midrand, South Africa
27-May-12
Crashed shortly after take off from Grand Central Airport, coming to rest against a concrete fence. The two occupants were severely injured – see photos here and here
South Africa – AW119 found smeared in mud, and blades cut off
25-May-12
An AW119 belonging to alleged underworld tycoon and businessman Frikkie Lutzkie mysteriously crashed near the border with Botswana. The crash is being investigated by the Northern Cape Organised Crime Unit (see full story and three photos). HeliHub.com editor note – a photo in happier times (taken December 2010) can be found here
24-May-12 ZS-PVH Robinson R44 Masenkweng, South Africa (1F)
24-May-12
One person was killed and another critically injured when the R44 crashed on Thursday into the veld. Helicopter ended up on its port side. Fatality named in online forum as Riaan Van Brakel
South African Air Force Museum adds two helicopters
Source: Unofficial SAAF Website, 22-Feb-12
The SAAF Museum has acquired two new exhibits that symbolise the technological prowess of the South African aeronautical industry in the late twentieth century. First to arrive at the Museum at Zwartkop, Centurion, on Friday 11 February was an Aerospatiale SA-330L Puma (serial 190). The medium-transport Puma was a stalewart of the airforce from the [...]
16-Feb-12 Robinson R44 Cape Town, South Africa
16-Feb-12
Heavy landing close to airport due to mechanical issues on climb out
South African military reveals cause of A109LUH crashes
Source: defenceWeb, 30-Jan-12
The three A109 Light Utility Helicopter crashes were caused by mechanical failure and pilot error, but all technical problems have been resolved, the chief of the South African Air Force has said. (see full story)
23-Dec-11 ZS-RNZ Robinson R22 Port Alfred, South Africa
23-Dec-11
Training accident from low level, helicopter ended up on its starboard side. Instructor and pupil light injuries only and walked away.
South Africa – Eurocopter’s help for ATE headed for court
19-Dec-11
The shareholder and creditors of aerospace company Advanced Technologies and Engineering (ATE) are headed for court on a business rescue plan which would see Eurocopter take a 99.99% stake. The plan was adopted by 99.72% of creditors but crucially the shareholders voted against it. (see full story)
17-Dec-11 ZS-RZD Robinson R44 Ventersdorp, South Africa
17-Dec-11
Two male occupants were treated for superficial wounds and bruises
Eurocopter Southern Africa opens new base at Grand Central
30-Nov-11
Eurocopter Southern Africa has moved to a new and bigger base at Grand Central Airport, close to Johannesburg and Pretoria. The company’s previous base was spread across four buildings at Lanseria Airport, (see full story)
29-Nov-11 ZS-RDG Robinson R44 II Wonderboom, South Africa
29-Nov-11
Crashed while giving an 80-year-old her birthday present flight. Ended up on its starboard side with the tail boom apparently separated midway down its length.
23-Nov-11 ZS-RSU Robinson R44 II Grand Central, South Africa
23-Nov-11
Helicopter ended up on its port side with the tail boom sliced. 23-Nov-11 is assumed date – the first reference we can find is in the evening of that date.
Eurocopter to help save South African defence company
09-Nov-11
Eurocopter has confirmed that it is willing to contribute to the attempt to save South African aerospace and defence company Advanced Technologies & Engineering (ATE), which is in serious financial difficulties. Eurocopter is a major creditor of ATE (Full story) Photo from Eurocopter brochure shows EC635 destined for Iraqi Air Force on test flight with [...]
Register Update – South Africa – August 2011
Source: HeliHub.com, 20-Sep-11
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
20-Sep-11 ZS-PXL Robinson R44 Kimberley, South Africa
20-Sep-11
“There was a severe vibration, and then we lost power. I made an emergency landing and executed a hard landing followed. “ Boom broken and cabwhich boom became bent and detached. Skids and cabin appear
13-Sep-11 ZS-HMP Bell 230 Morwaneng, South Africa
13-Sep-11
All six occupants – Eskom CEO Brian Dames and colleagues Steve Lennon, Louis Maleka, and Kerseri Pather plsu the two pilots (Hilton Atherstone plus one) – suffered minor injuries in the crash and managed to get clear of the wreckage before it caught fire and burnt out
Helicopter pilot accused of attempted murder
Source: South African Police Service, 31-Aug-11
A helicopter pilot has appeared in the Pretoria magistrate court for flying and crashing a helicopter while his license was suspended. It is alleged that on the 2rd of December last year Rainier Prinsloo, whose license was suspended by the SA Civil Aviation Authority got involved in a helicopter crash at Baltimore in Limpopo. He, [...]
Register Update – South Africa – June 2011
Source: HeliHub.com, 03-Aug-11
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
03-Aug-11 ZS-HTY Robinson R44 Cape Town, South Africa
03-Aug-11
R44 ends up on its port side on University of Cape Town’s Middle Campus. Light injuries to the four occupants. Contacted trees, but as yet unclear whether that was cause or result of situation.
DeBeers AW139 made available to NetCare 911 with full EMS kit
Source: DeBeers, 04-Jul-11
The idea, which ensures that South Africans in the remotest regions of the country will have access to an emergency helicopter service without equal, is the brainchild of Oppenheimer, Chairman of De Beers and an intrepid young doctor, Dr Anchen Laubscher, Medical Director of Netcare 911. Dr Laubscher, who was a flying doctor at the [...]
South African Police Service report death of pilot
Source: SAPS, 13-May-11
Our fallen colleagues – “At the setting of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them”. The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Bheki Cele, is greatly saddened to confirm the death of one of our respected and experienced pilots, Colonel Shabir Khan. Khan, together with a colleague from the [...]
Register Update – South Africa – April 2011
Source: HeliHub.com, 06-May-11
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
Register Update – South Africa – March 2011
Source: HeliHub.com, 06-May-11
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
Support costs for South African A109LUH climb
Source: DefenceWeb, 21-Apr-11
Concerns locally in South Africa as support costs rise and rise.
South African Air Force ceremonially receives Rooivalk
Source: Denel, 05-Apr-11
The upgraded Rooivalk combat support helicopter has been handed over to the South African Air Force for operational duties. The helicopter, designed and manufactured in South Africa, was received by the Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano. The Chief Executive Officer of Denel, Talib Sadik, says the handover is the culmination [...]
Register Update – South Africa – February 2011
Source: HeliHub.com, 21-Mar-11
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
Register Update – South Africa – January 2011
Source: HeliHub.com, 17-Mar-11
This news item is part of the HeliHub.com “Register Updates” series, listing helicopters which have been added to a particular national register, removed from it or the listed owner has changed. Our coverage represents the majority of registration and owner changes within the global civilian helicopter fleet. Most updates are weekly or monthly, although some [...]
25-Feb-11 ZS-RVA Robinson R44 Strand, South Africa
25-Feb-11
Landed on its port side with floats deployed. Two people medevac to hospital by MedCopter “Chopper 2″
South African Air Force ponders future of A109LUH
Source: DefenceWeb, 11-Feb-11
The SAAF required the type to take pressure off its Denel Oryx medium utility fleet. The Air Force has long had the need for a platform more capable than the Alouette III but less expensive and more efficient than the Oryx for the bulk of taskings. The A109 was expected to fill that niche.
Zeiss awarded $417K contract for A109LUH observation system support
Source: ARMSCOR, 29-Jan-11
Reference No: ELGS/2010/28 Requirements: On demand support for the SAAF Aircraft 109 light utility helicopter ARGOS-410 A4 observation system Awarded Date: 27 Jan 2011 Contract Value: R3 000 000,00 Classification: Restricted Contracts Awarded To: Carl Zeiss Optronics (Pty) Ltd P O Box 8859 Centurion 0046
South African Police in crash want to get back flying
Source: IOL, 29-Jan-11
Lt.Col Shabir Khan was discharged on Thursday but de Lt.Col Kosie de Villiers’s recovery is expected to take a little longer, though the enthusiastic pilot was in good spirits in the Unitas Hospital on Thursday. See accident page at 21-Jan-11 ZS-HWX MD Helicopters 369D Wonderboompoort, South Africa
Denel’s Mokopa missile ready for market
Source: Times Live, 26-Jan-11
Denel Dynamics says the Mokopa is a precision-strike, multi-purpose 10 km plus surface-target missile, that can be fired from the ground, helicopter and fighter jet.
Fatal BK117 crash footage sent to the US for analysis
Source: Eyewitness News, 26-Jan-11
The Pretoria News has reported that CCTV footage and Global Positioning System (GPS) data has been sent overseas for forensic analysis. See HeliHub.com accident page at 23-Jul-10 ZS-HMY Eurocopter BK117 Witbank, South Africa (7F) [File photo]
21-Jan-11 ZS-HWX MD Helicopters 369D Wonderboompoort, South Africa
21-Jan-11
The pilot, Lt Col. Koosie De Villiers, and his crewman Lt Col. Shabir Khan, were both seriously injured in the crash. Eyesitness described the aircraft as being a “total mangled wreck”, with no windows left as it “was all smashed up”.
Rooivalk revamp for peacekeeping missions
Source: The New Age, 13-Jan-11
More than R180m is being spent on upgrading the Rooivalk helicopter to make it “a modern, sophisticated combat support helicopter ready for use by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in any of its deployments”
