The ATSB has commenced a transport safety investigation into the mid-air collision of two Robinson R22 helicopters near Camballin, Western Australia on Thursday morning.
As reported to the ATSB, at about 630am four helicopters were departing to conduct mustering near Mount Anderson Station when, shortly after take-off, two of the helicopters collided.
The ATSB is deploying a team of transport safety investigators from its Perth, Canberra and Brisbane offices, with expertise in aircraft operations and maintenance, to the site.
They will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities including wreckage examination and site mapping, and will recover any relevant components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.
Investigators will also seek to interview witnesses, and collect relevant recorded data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.
The ATSB will release a preliminary report detailing factual information established in the investigation’s evidence gathering phase in about two months. A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation and will detail analysis and findings.
However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so safety action can be taken.