The Hiller UH-12E helicopter was tracking from Quirindi to
Tamworth. The pilot attempted to call Tamworth Tower on both tower
frequencies but received no reply. As the helicopter approached the
control zone boundary at 15 NM from Tamworth, the pilot called the
tower again but received no reply. He then landed the helicopter
and called the tower using his mobile telephone, but received only
a recorded message.
Suspecting either a problem with his radio or that the tower was
not active, the pilot decided to enter the control zone without a
clearance, transmitting his position and intentions on the tower
radio frequency. He flew the helicopter into the circuit area and
crossed runway 12R between one CT4 aircraft that had landed and a
second CT4 on final approach. Upon sighting the helicopter, the
aerodrome controller broadcast a traffic alert to the five aircraft
operating in the circuit.
The pilot landed the helicopter at the base of the tower and
shut down. He walked to the tower and called the controller on
intercom. He reported that his radio was unserviceable and
requested clearance to re-position the helicopter to the general
aviation parking area for repair of the radio. The controller
refused clearance and asked the pilot to have the radio repaired
before flying the helicopter again. The pilot reported that at the
time, he informed the controller that he was unfamiliar with
Tamworth Aerodrome, but the controller terminated the discussion.
The pilot then walked to the general aviation area, crossing two
grass runways without authority.
The controller later stated that the time between his initial
sighting of the helicopter and its landing at the base of the tower
was insufficient to enable him to give a light signal to the
helicopter. There was also insufficient time to instruct the CT4 on
final approach to go around.
Examination of the helicopter radio revealed that the frequency
selector gears had slipped out of mesh and out of position.
The pilot reported that this was his first flight into the
Tamworth control zone, and that he had not briefed himself
adequately before departing Quirindi. Aeronautical Information
Publication ENR 1.1 section 9.2 (dated 10 August 2000) detailed the
requirements for VFR flights entering Classes C or D airspace.
Paragraph 9.2.1 stated:
"Before reaching the boundary of classes C or D airspace, the
pilot must establish two-way communications with ATC on the
frequency notified on the chart, in ERSA, or AIP supplement or
NOTAM, and obtain a clearance."
Enroute Supplement Australia EMERG 2 detailed the procedure for
flights OCTA under VFR experiencing communications failure, and
stated:
Stay in VMC
Broadcast intentions (assume transmitter is operating and prefix
calls with "Transmitting blind") Remain VFR and land at the nearest
suitable non-MBZ aerodrome. Report arrival to ATS if on SARTIME or
reporting schedules. Search and Rescue telephone number 1800 815
207.