Two die in WA helicopter crash
PPRuNe Time
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Two die in WA helicopter crash
A report online today:
Two men died when their cattle mustering helicopter crashed on a remote station in Western Australia's rugged Kimberley region on Sunday.
Police said the men, whose names have not been released, were contractors mustering cattle by helicopter at Yakka Munga station, about 70km south of Derby.
They were the sole occupants of the helicopter which crashed at 0935 (WST).
"We don't know the exact cause of the crash at this stage, whether it was pilot error or mechanical failure, but we've got people looking at the site right now," Derby police constable Sid McLean told AAP.
He said police were told of the accident by the pilot of a second helicopter which had also been mustering cattle in the area.
It is believed the men died on impact.
Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau would travel to the accident site in the next few days and forensic police were also at the scene, Constable McLean said.
From
The Age and
The Australian
Two men died when their cattle mustering helicopter crashed on a remote station in Western Australia's rugged Kimberley region on Sunday.
Police said the men, whose names have not been released, were contractors mustering cattle by helicopter at Yakka Munga station, about 70km south of Derby.
They were the sole occupants of the helicopter which crashed at 0935 (WST).
"We don't know the exact cause of the crash at this stage, whether it was pilot error or mechanical failure, but we've got people looking at the site right now," Derby police constable Sid McLean told AAP.
He said police were told of the accident by the pilot of a second helicopter which had also been mustering cattle in the area.
It is believed the men died on impact.
Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau would travel to the accident site in the next few days and forensic police were also at the scene, Constable McLean said.
From
The Age and
The Australian
PPRuNe Time
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Later report
The West Australian online released the following report:
TWO men died when the helicopter they were using to muster cattle crashed at a remote station near Derby yesterday.
The crash occurred at Yukka Munga Station about 9.30am, killing the 28-year-old pilot, a contractor, and a 56-year-old passenger who worked at the station, about 90km south of Derby.
The helicopter was a Robinson R22 - a small, highly manoeuvrable, single engine, two-seater helicopter which is usually used for mustering stock or training.
Police said a second helicopter was flying nearby.
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesman said two crash investigators, from Perth and Canberra, were expected to arrive at the crash site about noon today.
He said the helicopter was being used to muster cattle before it crashed but the cause of the crash was not known.
A Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman said three Robinson R22 helicopters, excluding yesterday's incident, had crashed in the past five years.
The most recent crash involving a Robinson R22 was during a training flight south-west of Sydney in June. Both the instructor and student were killed. The CASA spokesman said Robinson R22 helicopters were generally reliable but all three previous crashes had been caused by the main rotor snapping.
CASA has since issued a mandate for the main rotors on the Robinson R22 to be replaced earlier than specified by the manufacturer until the problem has been investigated further.
"This accident will be of a great deal of interest until the cause is established," the spokesman said.
The names of the dead men were not released yesterday.
The crash of a Cessna 404 aircraft killed one man and critically injured another five at Jandakot Airport in August.
In March, a 60-year-old WA tourist died when his gyrocopter crashed near Rockhampton, Queensland.
Two men were killed and a third survived with serious injuries when their Bell 206 Jetranger helicopter crashed into a paddock near Bencubbin in January 2001.
The above is the entire report from this link
TWO men died when the helicopter they were using to muster cattle crashed at a remote station near Derby yesterday.
The crash occurred at Yukka Munga Station about 9.30am, killing the 28-year-old pilot, a contractor, and a 56-year-old passenger who worked at the station, about 90km south of Derby.
The helicopter was a Robinson R22 - a small, highly manoeuvrable, single engine, two-seater helicopter which is usually used for mustering stock or training.
Police said a second helicopter was flying nearby.
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesman said two crash investigators, from Perth and Canberra, were expected to arrive at the crash site about noon today.
He said the helicopter was being used to muster cattle before it crashed but the cause of the crash was not known.
A Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman said three Robinson R22 helicopters, excluding yesterday's incident, had crashed in the past five years.
The most recent crash involving a Robinson R22 was during a training flight south-west of Sydney in June. Both the instructor and student were killed. The CASA spokesman said Robinson R22 helicopters were generally reliable but all three previous crashes had been caused by the main rotor snapping.
CASA has since issued a mandate for the main rotors on the Robinson R22 to be replaced earlier than specified by the manufacturer until the problem has been investigated further.
"This accident will be of a great deal of interest until the cause is established," the spokesman said.
The names of the dead men were not released yesterday.
The crash of a Cessna 404 aircraft killed one man and critically injured another five at Jandakot Airport in August.
In March, a 60-year-old WA tourist died when his gyrocopter crashed near Rockhampton, Queensland.
Two men were killed and a third survived with serious injuries when their Bell 206 Jetranger helicopter crashed into a paddock near Bencubbin in January 2001.
The above is the entire report from this link
PPRuNe Time
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Names released
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.
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.
Bugsmasherdriverandjediknite
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Bai, mi go long hap na kisim sampla samting.
Posts: 2,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just saw the wreckage on the news. Looks like the airframe is intact, tail boom is still on it and the rotor blades are both still attached although bent............ auto with a hard finish???. the wreck is still sitting upright and it doesnt look as though any one would have been seriously hurt neverlone a fatal accident.
Condolances to the families of both the pilot and the station owner.
Condolances to the families of both the pilot and the station owner.
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Australia
Age: 54
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have just come back from Charlies memorial at VRD. He was agreat bloke and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Early reports have said they fell vertically from 100'. Photos ive seen seem to support this, but i am no expert. Overpitch, Vortex Ring, Bad auto ? Hopefully we will find out in due course.
Our thoughts really are with his family.
RIP - Charlie Chambers - we won't forget you.
Last edited by cows'n'fish; 4th Nov 2003 at 13:54.
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Australia
Age: 54
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is a Rumour Network, so here goes.
The latest I've heard is that ATSB findings, point to a flex plate or yolk having broken. This would overspeed the tail rotor and underspeed the M/R. HM looks like they may be in some striff if this is true. There is a meeting soon to make public their findings.
This will take pilot error out of the equation.
Maybe you did it right Charlie...........
The latest I've heard is that ATSB findings, point to a flex plate or yolk having broken. This would overspeed the tail rotor and underspeed the M/R. HM looks like they may be in some striff if this is true. There is a meeting soon to make public their findings.
This will take pilot error out of the equation.
Maybe you did it right Charlie...........
Last edited by cows'n'fish; 4th Nov 2003 at 13:56.
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: AUS
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have just heard also that the bolts that hold the flex plate yolk to the gearbox input shaft were sheared off. If this is true and unfortunately I can't say for sure then this is not something that would generally occur on a well maintained 22
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Australia
Age: 54
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just had the AD completed on my machine. It looks like the Derby crash was caused by a sheared clutch shaft at the aft bolthole. This was caused (according to ATSB) by a combination of paint and a non approved jointing compound between the yolk and the clutch shaft. The tourqueing of the bolts may have been done correctly but when the paint and jointing compound wore away, the whole show started to flog out. Apparently this jointing compound is used by a large section of the industry on R22's (and is or was very good). It is not however, in the Robinson R22 Maintenance Manual. The flex plate was not mentioned in the AD. 
PPRuNe Time
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ATSB Prelim report
ATSB Preliminary Report issued today:
History of the flight
The Robinson Helicopter Company model 22 helicopter (R22) registered VH-UXF was engaged in aerial mustering operations with another R22 helicopter registered VH-AOP. The pilot of UXF had returned from a refuelling stop and recommenced operations in the mustering area. When no radio transmissions were heard from UXF for approximately 15 minutes, the pilot of AOP commenced a search for UXF. After a short search, the wreckage of UXF was located at the edge of a claypan. The helicopter had impacted the ground heavily in an upright attitude and both the occupants survived the impact with what appeared to be severe injuries. After making them comfortable, the pilot of AOP departed to seek medical assistance. He returned approximately 80 minutes later with a doctor. The doctor reported that in the intervening period both occupants of UXF had died of their injuries.
Wreckage findings
On-site examination of the helicopter revealed that it had impacted heavily with little forward speed. Both main rotor blades exhibited evidence of low speed rotation at the time of impact and also exhibited minor damage from striking small trees. The tail rotor exhibited evidence of high speed rotation at the time of impact and was destroyed by ground contact. The helicopter remained upright and the on-site examination revealed a failure in the clutch shaft, which on initial inspection appeared to be from impact damage. The helicopter was recovered to an engineering facility for a more detailed examination.
The examination at the engineering facility revealed what appeared to be a pre-impact failure of the clutch shaft. The shaft was taken to the ATSB laboratory in Canberra for further examination. The remainder of the examination of the recovered helicopter revealed that the engine was operating at high power when the helicopter impacted the ground. In addition, no pre-impact damage to other helicopter systems was found that would have contributed to the accident.
The examination of the airframe revealed that a significant amount of equipment, comprised of solid objects, was stored under the seats, which compromised the crashworthiness of the seats.
The investigation is continuing.
source
History of the flight
The Robinson Helicopter Company model 22 helicopter (R22) registered VH-UXF was engaged in aerial mustering operations with another R22 helicopter registered VH-AOP. The pilot of UXF had returned from a refuelling stop and recommenced operations in the mustering area. When no radio transmissions were heard from UXF for approximately 15 minutes, the pilot of AOP commenced a search for UXF. After a short search, the wreckage of UXF was located at the edge of a claypan. The helicopter had impacted the ground heavily in an upright attitude and both the occupants survived the impact with what appeared to be severe injuries. After making them comfortable, the pilot of AOP departed to seek medical assistance. He returned approximately 80 minutes later with a doctor. The doctor reported that in the intervening period both occupants of UXF had died of their injuries.
Wreckage findings
On-site examination of the helicopter revealed that it had impacted heavily with little forward speed. Both main rotor blades exhibited evidence of low speed rotation at the time of impact and also exhibited minor damage from striking small trees. The tail rotor exhibited evidence of high speed rotation at the time of impact and was destroyed by ground contact. The helicopter remained upright and the on-site examination revealed a failure in the clutch shaft, which on initial inspection appeared to be from impact damage. The helicopter was recovered to an engineering facility for a more detailed examination.
The examination at the engineering facility revealed what appeared to be a pre-impact failure of the clutch shaft. The shaft was taken to the ATSB laboratory in Canberra for further examination. The remainder of the examination of the recovered helicopter revealed that the engine was operating at high power when the helicopter impacted the ground. In addition, no pre-impact damage to other helicopter systems was found that would have contributed to the accident.
The examination of the airframe revealed that a significant amount of equipment, comprised of solid objects, was stored under the seats, which compromised the crashworthiness of the seats.
The investigation is continuing.
source
Poor old UXF was the first R22 I ever flew, and it was an old machine when I operated it for a flying school, way back in 1989. It was already on its second life - how many more has it had since then? Was its age a factor?
No more, unfortunately.
No more, unfortunately.
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A report which should be circulated to all involved in maintenance. And not just in Australia.
I'm sure that the use of the wrong procedure and the wrong jointing compound was only done with the best intentions. But it was wrong - and it seems that this was not an isolated mistake.
As part of a wideranging review conducted during this investigation, it was discovered that many more helicopters had drive systems similarly assembled (using the wrong jointing compound and against Robinson's instructions) - across Australia.
Why ? Isn't the correct compound available in Australia ? If it isn't, surely Robinson would have supplied it on demand ?
Is this another case of short-cut maintenance ? How did the "recipe" spread so widely ?
And what do the insurers and the bereaved have to say ?
I'm sure that the use of the wrong procedure and the wrong jointing compound was only done with the best intentions. But it was wrong - and it seems that this was not an isolated mistake.
As part of a wideranging review conducted during this investigation, it was discovered that many more helicopters had drive systems similarly assembled (using the wrong jointing compound and against Robinson's instructions) - across Australia.
Why ? Isn't the correct compound available in Australia ? If it isn't, surely Robinson would have supplied it on demand ?
Is this another case of short-cut maintenance ? How did the "recipe" spread so widely ?
And what do the insurers and the bereaved have to say ?
Senis Semper Fidelis
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Lancashire U K
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One comment from me, another pilot, I am always very sad at the death of any flyers and these deaths are no different.
But I feel the flying community should show much grattitude for the actions of the other pilot who helped as much as he could in very difficult circumstances, and he should be congratulated for his very cool and proffessional help thus rendered, He did everything he could have under that immense pressure!
Vfr
PeterR-B
But I feel the flying community should show much grattitude for the actions of the other pilot who helped as much as he could in very difficult circumstances, and he should be congratulated for his very cool and proffessional help thus rendered, He did everything he could have under that immense pressure!
Vfr
PeterR-B
