The Australian reports:
Experts begin chopper crash probe
By Tim Clarke
September 29, 2003
INVESTIGATORS will begin the analysis of a helicopter crash site in remote Western Australia later today to try to pinpoint the cause of the accident that claimed the lives of two men.
John James, 56, owner of the remote Yakka Munga cattle station, and 28-year-old pilot Charlie Chambers died when a Robinson R22 helicopter crashed 90km south of Derby yesterday.
The single engine, two-seater helicopter was being used to muster cattle when it crashed near the station at around 0935 (WST) yesterday.
Murray Lampard, police regional commander for the Derby area said there were no clues as yet as to the cause of the crash.
"The pilot was considered to be an excellent pilot, very experienced, and we are at a loss as to what has actually caused the helicopter to crash," Commdr Lampard said.
"Our officers actually punctured two tyres getting to the area yesterday – it is very rough terrain – and they are currently guarding the scene awaiting the arrival of crash investigators."
Two experts from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), one from Perth and one from Canberra, are hoping to reach the remote spot this afternoon to begin their analysis.
Commdr Lampard said conditions in the area were notoriously difficult for flying.
"It is magnificent country out there, but country that needs to be respected and at times that can be very dangerous," he told ABC radio.
Yesterday's crash is the latest involving the Robinson R22 aircraft, and follows a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) investigation into a Sydney crash which was issued in July this year.
A preliminary report by the ATSB and CASA into the R22 crash near Sydney, which killed an experienced flying instructor and his student, found the chopper's rotor blade had developed cracks and failed mid-flight.
CASA ordered new safety inspections for the helicopters, requiring visual and eddy current inspections of blades.
They also ordered that operators change the rotor blades on their Robinson R22 helicopters after 1500 hours – cutting their life from the manufacturer's recommended 2200 hours lifespan.