An AW139 rescue helicopter’s tail rotor contacted vegetation while on approach to land in a confined area on Sydney’s northern beaches, an ATSB investigation report details.
On 30 May 2021, the Toll-operated Leonardo Helicopters AW139 was tasked from Bankstown Airport to conduct a medical retrieval from a landing site in Manly. On board were two flight crew (a pilot and aircrew officer) and two medical personnel.
During the later stages of the approach, the aircraft’s tail rotor struck a small tree.
The crew did not identify the tail rotor strike at the time, and after assessing the planned landing site was unsuitable discontinued the approach, and instead landed at another site about 1 km away.
After shutting down, the flight crew conducted a walkaround inspection and found evidence of the foliage contact on the vertical fin.
An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded the tail rotor strike occurred when the flight crew failed to identify and stop unintended drift and yaw within the confined area.
“This incident highlights the need for flight crew to have a heightened situational awareness when operating into a confined area and unfamiliar location in the vicinity of obstacles,” Director Transport Safety Stuart Macleod said.
“There is little to no margin to recover from any unexpected events in these conditions.”
The ATSB’s report notes the vital role crew coordination plays in helicopter emergency medical service flights, as it assures improved situational awareness, reduces errors, and fosters effective teamwork.
“Effective coordination and communication (including of concerns) minimises the risk of misinterpretation, ensures accurate transmission of information, and reduces the likelihood of mistakes,” Mr Macleod said.
As a result of the incident, the operator has taken a range of proactive safety actions, including amending operational guidance on minimum clearances from terrain when operating in confined areas, and issuing guidance on site selection during primary missions.
“A final internal safety report was also provided to the ATSB, and proactively shared among the emergency helicopter network,” Mr Macleod added.
Read the report: Tail rotor blade strike involving Leonardo Helicopters AW139, VH-TJK, Cabbage Tree Bay, New South Wales on 30 May 2021