On 6 July 2012, a Bell Helicopter B206L1/C30P, registered P2-HCY, impacted terrain about 130 km south-south-east of Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea (PNG). The pilot and two passengers on board the aircraft were fatally injured.
The PNG Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) is investigating this accident in accordance with its obligations under Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Annex 13).
On 20 July 2012, the AIC requested Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) assistance in terms of investigator support and technical advice. In accordance with paragraphs 5.23 and 5.24 of Annex 13 (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the ATSB appointed an Accredited Representative and an Advisor to the Accredited Representative (ATSB investigators). These investigators assisted the AIC with engineering expertise for the airframe and engine examination as part of an External Investigation under the provisions of the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
The wreckage was transported to Port Moresby by the AIC for examination by the team of two ATSB investigators, along with AIC investigators and representatives from the airframe and engine manufacturers. After examination of the wreckage, several instruments and the engine and its associated components were sent to Australia for a detailed examination under the control of the ATSB. Support and information was provided to the AIC during the course of the investigation and the ATSB's Engineering Group Report was provided to the AIC in July 2013.
The PNG AIC is responsible for and will administer the release of the final investigation report into this accident. Any enquiries in respect of the ongoing AIC investigation should, in the first instance, be directed to:
Mr David Inau
Chief Executive Officer
Papua New Guinea Accident Investigation Commission
Telephone: +675 311 2406
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Released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.