Squeaks
24th Jun 2009, 10:17
Another wirestrike, but I'm pleased to say the pilot walked away!
Helicopter down at Table Top
23/06/2009 5:08:00 PM
AN Albury pilot is lucky to be alive after crashing his helicopter at Table Top yesterday.
Hugh Acton-Adams, 27, walked away with just minor injuries after his Bell JetRanger clipped powerlines and plunged to the ground.
His father Arnaud Acton-Adams was nearby at the time and was shaken by the incident.
“I just heard a thud,” he said.
“I was loading for him and was in communication with him all the time with a head set.
“It took five minutes (after the crash) before I could contact him.
“It’s hard to describe how you feel in those situations, but it’s not good.”
The crash occurred at the property of OSO Arabians and Murray Grey Cattle in Knox Road.
Mr Acton-Adams, who is the managing director and chief pilot of Rotor Solutions Australia, had been contracted to spray Paterson’s curse.
Insp Richard Harvey, of Albury Police, said the helicopter crashed in rugged terrainabout 12.30pm.
“We don’t know how bad the helicopter is, but the gentleman has been taken to hospital,” he said.
“We don’t think his injuries will be that serious because he walked 2.5km (to get help).”
Mr Acton-Adams was taken to Albury Base Hospital where he remained in a stable condition last night.
His father said Mr Acton-Adams was a competent pilot with more than four years of experience.
He had moved from New Zealand to Australia nine years ago and only recently established the helicopter service in Albury.
Arnaud said his son was familiar with the area where the crash occurred.
“He was very well aware of the line because he had flown over it a lot,” he said.
“Whether the light was bad ... I don’t know.”
Arnaud said Mr Acton-Adams was travelling at slow speeds when the helicopter went down.
“One thing I noticed was there was no fire or flames,” he said.
“That was my biggest concern, of course.”
Albury police are expected to report the incident to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
The Border Mail (http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/local/news/general/helicopter-down-at-table-top/1548538.aspx)
Helicopter down at Table Top
23/06/2009 5:08:00 PM
AN Albury pilot is lucky to be alive after crashing his helicopter at Table Top yesterday.
Hugh Acton-Adams, 27, walked away with just minor injuries after his Bell JetRanger clipped powerlines and plunged to the ground.
His father Arnaud Acton-Adams was nearby at the time and was shaken by the incident.
“I just heard a thud,” he said.
“I was loading for him and was in communication with him all the time with a head set.
“It took five minutes (after the crash) before I could contact him.
“It’s hard to describe how you feel in those situations, but it’s not good.”
The crash occurred at the property of OSO Arabians and Murray Grey Cattle in Knox Road.
Mr Acton-Adams, who is the managing director and chief pilot of Rotor Solutions Australia, had been contracted to spray Paterson’s curse.
Insp Richard Harvey, of Albury Police, said the helicopter crashed in rugged terrainabout 12.30pm.
“We don’t know how bad the helicopter is, but the gentleman has been taken to hospital,” he said.
“We don’t think his injuries will be that serious because he walked 2.5km (to get help).”
Mr Acton-Adams was taken to Albury Base Hospital where he remained in a stable condition last night.
His father said Mr Acton-Adams was a competent pilot with more than four years of experience.
He had moved from New Zealand to Australia nine years ago and only recently established the helicopter service in Albury.
Arnaud said his son was familiar with the area where the crash occurred.
“He was very well aware of the line because he had flown over it a lot,” he said.
“Whether the light was bad ... I don’t know.”
Arnaud said Mr Acton-Adams was travelling at slow speeds when the helicopter went down.
“One thing I noticed was there was no fire or flames,” he said.
“That was my biggest concern, of course.”
Albury police are expected to report the incident to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
The Border Mail (http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/local/news/general/helicopter-down-at-table-top/1548538.aspx)