Fatal accident in Western Australia Sept 2007
 

Chopper pilot killed during cattle muster

September 25, 2007 06:30pm

Article from: AAP


A 37-year-old pilot died today when his helicopter crashed during a cattle muster in Western Australia's far north, authorities said.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) air crash investigators from Canberra are expected to arrive tomorrow at the crash site near Wyndham.
WA safety watchdog WorkSafe would assist the ATSB with the investigation, said WorkSafe Commissioner Nina Lyhne.
Ms Lyhne said any work-related death was a tragedy and she sent her condolences to the pilot's family.
Police spokesman Ian Hasleby said the pilot was the only person in the chopper when it crashed on Doongan Station, 150km west of Wyndham, at about 7.30am (WST) today.
“The pilot, (who) was the only person on board, was believed to be in his late 30s (and) was killed during the crash,” Mr Hasleby said.
A bushfire that was ignited when the two-seater helicopter crashed and burst into flames was put out by the station owners.

Rough country, a bloke told me once even the helicopters need 4WD to get up the hills there.

Very sad, he was a great guy with two young kids. I know he loved doing what he did, just chasing cows.
Always happy and would always stop to say G'day and catch up. He will be greatly missed by lots of people. One of Natures Gentlemen. RIP

Rip Old Mate Was A Great Pleasure Working With You And Knowing You......always With The Great Attitude And A Smile!

Condolences to the family. Enjoyed the time working together, He'll be sadly missed. R.I.P.

sorry guys
but why is the big secret
i used to work in northern oz but now in the sand pit,, obvoiusly its someone too do with slingby or fitzroy helio"s...
whats the name????????????????/ of pilot
I was in the mustering game for years and have many mates still there,,why is this forum so secretive..................

I dont understand when it comes to the unfortunate accidents or !! tell us whats going on

our cons means nothing all the best to the family involved

As far as I know the pilot's name has not been released to the media, quite possibly at the request of the family. Until it is, it's probably prudent not to mention it here.

Pilot involved in the accident was not HeliWork pilot or Fitzroy Helicopters pilot. Was NT based from Katherine. Will not say anymore in respect for friends and family as ATSB are there now investigating. The machine involved was not mustering at the time of the accident.

Understand
thanx cows and fish for the PM

he was a great great lad,,very sorry to hear

It is no secret, the pilots name was Christian Stenhouse, he was working for NAH at the time and had been mustering for nearly ten years.

He grew up in the territory, as the family managed various cattle stations.

The belts seem to have let go for what ever reason, he had just dropped off a passenger.

Probly better known as Stumpy, top bloke, verry sad.

Appears that there may be a service for "Stumpy" at the NAH hanger, Katherine, friday at 10.00 am NT time, tbc.

This event has now been moved back to next wednesday the 10/10/2007.

I believe that it is to start at the Katherine Cemetary at the same time, 10.00 AM.

ATSB Final Report - R22 belt issues?
 

AO-2007-046


ATSB Safety Issue investigation underway into R22 rotor system drive belts.

Di

Interesting reading!

Don't ignore the signs

Media !!!
 

The report was a forgone conclusion (to those of us in the loop), except maybe the toxicology report.
It was a real shame the NT News (local sensationalist newspaper) decided to report all of this prior to Christmas (for the pilots parents to read).
Unnecessary in my mind. Is there such an animal as a "tactful journalist" ???? Leave those sort of reports to the aviation industry journals.

Totally agree, you beat me to the line. but here we are talking about a seriously bent newspaper, except for maybe one columnist and the cartoonist.

stump had more than the ability required to make the correct decision upon the arrival of the - "pungent smell", - and to set himself up and deliver a good auto, "under normal circumstances."

It may have something to do with the company he had been keeping until recently before moving to the western contract?