Preliminary ATSB report is
here.
Not a lot so far, but the usual sold foundation for a further more extensive report in about 30 days is laid.
f_o_r
On 18 August 2011, Aérospatiale Industries AS355F2 (AS355) helicopter, registered VH-NTV (NTV), was operating in an area south-east of Lake Eyre, South Australia (SA). On board were the pilot and two passengers. The helicopter landed on an island in the Cooper Creek inlet, about 145 km north of Marree, SA at 1715 Central Standard Time.
At about 1900, the pilot departed the island to take the occupants back to their accommodation at a property about 47 km north of Marree. It was reported that, soon after takeoff, the helicopter collided with terrain. The aircraft was substantially damaged and there were no survivors.
The weather conditions were reported to have been fine and clear at the time. Sunset in the area was at 1758 and the end of evening civil twilight at 1822. Moon rise was at 2158. The aircraft was equipped to conduct operations at night under the visual flight rules.
The ATSB dispatched a team of four investigators to the site. Due to the remote location, the on-site examination was unable to commence until 20 August. The wreckage was located about 3 km east-north-east of the island in Cooper Creek. The examination identified all major components and extremities of the helicopter at the accident site. The wreckage trail was 60 m long and indicated that the aircraft was travelling in an easterly direction at the time of impact. Much of the wreckage was damaged by a post-impact fire.
The on-site examination is continuing and several components will be recovered from the site for technical examination. These include both engines, a number of components from the helicopter's flight control system, some of the flight instruments, and the helicopter's global positioning system unit.
In addition, a number of witnesses have been or are being interviewed, and the following data is being obtained for later examination:
the helicopter's maintenance and airworthiness records
helicopter operational information
records of the pilot's experience and medical status.
Witnesses or anyone else with information about the accident are asked to contact the ATSB on 1800 020 616.
The AS355 is a light utility helicopter powered by two turboshaft engines. The accident was the first fatal accident involving a twin-engine helicopter in Australia since 1986, and the first involving an AS355 in Australia.
At the time of the accident, there were 10 AS355 helicopters registered in Australia (including NTV). NTV was manufactured in 1988 and first registered in Australia in February 1989.
The investigation is continuing. The ATSB will be issuing a Preliminary Factual Report within 30 days of the accident.