Investigation number
200102083
Occurrence date
Location
Howard Patch, Swain Reefs
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
None
  1. The operator's procedures were not appropriate to accept, plan
    and conduct an over-water, night, search-and-rescue flight.
  2. The helicopter was not adequately equipped to conduct a night,
    over-water, search and rescue flight.
  3. The conditions at a very low height above the water surface
    were conducive to visual illusions.
  4. The helicopter entered a high rate of descent on approach to
    the stranded yacht.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Bell Helicopter Co
Model
407
Registration
VH-WOQ
Serial number
53436
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Rockhampton, QLD
Departure time
2145 hours EST
Destination
Hixson Cay, QLD
Damage
Substantial