Time Out
3rd May 2004, 10:12
The final report is out (here (http://www.atsb.gov.au/aviation/occurs/occurs_detail.cfm?ID=617)), and is brief. In fact, this is essentially it:On 31 March 2004, at 0600 Eastern Standard Time, the Robinson R22 helicopter with one pilot on board departed on a ferry flight to commence mustering operation from a property approximately 15 minutes flying time to the north-north-east. The pilot reported that he landed at the property and picked up a passenger who was going to show him the paddocks, fences and laneways.
At about 1000, after mustering cattle into a small paddock, the pilot made an approach to land beside a fence. The pilot indicated that the weather was fine with good visibility. The wind was from an easterly direction at 5 kts and the temperature was 25 degrees C. He reported that he saw a powerline and aimed to land adjacent to a point where the powerline changed direction. However, he did not see a third wire, which the helicopter struck at a height of about 30 ft. The helicopter spun into the ground and landed on a barbed wire fence. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, lower vertical fin and tail rotor blades. The two occupants escaped with minor injuries.
At about 1000, after mustering cattle into a small paddock, the pilot made an approach to land beside a fence. The pilot indicated that the weather was fine with good visibility. The wind was from an easterly direction at 5 kts and the temperature was 25 degrees C. He reported that he saw a powerline and aimed to land adjacent to a point where the powerline changed direction. However, he did not see a third wire, which the helicopter struck at a height of about 30 ft. The helicopter spun into the ground and landed on a barbed wire fence. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, lower vertical fin and tail rotor blades. The two occupants escaped with minor injuries.
