The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is drawing pilots’ attention to the effects of sun-glare when flying, after a Robinson R22 crashed into Lake Marradibbadibba in South Australia.
The accident occurred at about 1520 on 31 October 2012. The pilot (the only person on board) had commenced mustering in the helicopter on Innamincka Station at about 0730 that morning. Due to flying low over the sandy and swampy terrain, the helicopter’s windscreen became dirty, leading to poor visibility. During one break, the pilot tried to clean the windscreen with water but this did not improve visibility.
The accident demonstrates the effect
that sun-glare can have when relying
on visual cues.
The accident happened when the pilot conducted a low-level turn over the edge of the lake and experienced significant sun-glare from the water. Even though he was wearing sunglasses, the pilot became disoriented due to the sunlight and dirty windscreen. A few seconds later, the helicopter crashed into the surface of the lake and sank rapidly into 2.5 to 3 m of water.
The pilot was not wearing a helmet that day because it was damaged. Nevertheless, he escaped the accident without injury and swam to shore. The helicopter was seriously damaged.
The accident demonstrates the effect that sun-glare can have when relying on visual cues. In addition, although the pilot was uninjured as a result of this accident, previous ATSB investigations have shown the benefit of wearing a helmet.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has conducted research into sunlight and its association with aviation accidents. A link to that report, along with more details of the accident can be found in the investigation report AO-2012-146.