The ATSB is investigating a collision with terrain involving a Robinson R44 helicopter, VH-WOH, near Mudgee, NSW on 9 December 2012.
Update 22 January 2013
At about 0800 Eastern Daylight-saving Time[1] on 9 December 2012, a pilot commenced weed spraying operations on a property 20 km south-west of Mudgee, New South Wales in a Robinson R44 helicopter, registered VH-WOH. The intention was to conduct spraying activities on the property followed by further spraying on a neighbouring property. The operation required a loader to remain at a refilling station on the property to mix the required chemical prior to loading into the helicopter.
The pilot completed seven spray runs and had refuelled the aircraft prior to the seventh run. At about 0945, the pilot departed on the eighth spray run, which was reported to be the final run prior to moving operations to the neighbouring property. At about 1015 the loader and another witness became concerned that the helicopter had not returned and initiated a search. The helicopter was found on steep terrain about 450 m from the refilling station. The pilot was fatally injured.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) initiated an investigation and attended the accident site. The damage to the helicopter and surrounding area indicated that the helicopter impacted the ground steeply in a right nose-down attitude. A witness reported that, on arrival at the wreckage, fuel was leaking from the tanks and draining down the slope.
The investigation is continuing and will include:
- examination of the engine
- examination of the pilot’s experience and recent operations
- assessment of the weather in the area at the time.
The evidence will be analysed and a final report completed detailing the findings of the investigation by 9 September 2013.
[1] Eastern Daylight-saving Time was Coordinated Universal Time + 11 hours
Update 11 December 2012
ATSB investigators began the on-site phase of the investigation on Monday 10 December.
The team has been liaising with the local police to secure perishable evidence, including the pattern of the wreckage and marks from impact.
Over the next few days, the team will be meeting with the aircraft operator and retrieving aircraft and pilot records.
The on-site wreckage examination will be completed in the next couple of days.
10 December 2012
On 9 December 2012, the ATSB was notified of a single pilot fatal R44 helicopter accident south of Mudgee, NSW. Initial reports indicate that the wreckage is located in rugged terrain.
The ATSB has commenced an investigation and deployed three investigators from the Canberra and Brisbane offices. The investigators expect to arrive at Mudgee this morning on 10 December. Investigators will commence an examination of the accident site during the afternoon and are expected to be on site for 2-3 days.
Investigators will also interview any witnesses and gather various operational and maintenance documentation.
