The SAAF Forum

A SAAF light helicopter has crashed near the R101 between Ruimte and Wierda Ave in the Centurion area.

Photos of the Agusta A109 LUH taken at the scene suggest that the unknown number of person on board had survived. Two crew were airlifted to hospital. The extent of injuries is not yet known, nor the cause of the crash.

The helicopter, serial 4006, is most likely from 17 Squadron based at AFB Swartkop, although it has served as the Test Flight and Development Centre (TFDC) test aircraft. Normal crew is two.

Whilst the cause is unknown, it is probable that the aircraft experienced loss of power and the pilot executed an auto rotation in an open area.

More details to follow.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

Hope all of the crew are fine!

These guys do not like flying here do they? How many have we lost due to accidents by now?

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MAMBA

Keep your feet on the ground, and reach for the skies!

4006

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

See http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforc ... -summaries

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

At one stage, 4006 was based at TFDC.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

Apparently two crew airlifted to hospital.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

The attrition rate of the Augusta is very high, is this measure available relative to other types in service?

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/141742650@N08/albums

One of the aircrew some injuries from bang on the side (will be very eina for some time), no immediate danger, to remain in hosp for observation

No info on other crew member

Unfortunately, other crew member sustained critical injuries. Wishing both speedy recoveries.

Names are known, both respected and experienced SAAF aviators.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

I watched the A109 fly overhead my house noting that it was a bit higher than the normal chopper height as they fly overhead.
At first I didn't recognise the engine sound.
Little did I know that within the next minute it would be down!

Geoff

I think that little bit of extra height may have saved them from coming down in a more built up area.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

Whilst we wait for the info on 403, have the findings on this accident been released?

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/141742650@N08/albums

Unlike in most other democratic countries, the SAAF does not make it's accident reports publicly available.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?