The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) did not conduct an on-scene investigation of this accident. The accident was investigated by the Civil Aviation Division (CAD) of the Ministry of Transport and Communication Timor Leste (East Timor) which also compiled and released the final report.
On 2 June 2004, at 0725 Coordinated Universal Time, a Bell Helicopter Company 212, registered VH-NSA, was being flown from Dili to the Same village helicopter landing site (HLS), East Timor, to conduct a medical evacuation of a patient from Same to the Dili hospital. The helicopter was being flown by two pilots. Also on board were a helicopter crewman, a doctor and a nurse. The helicopter was reported to have suddenly lost height while manoeuvring in heavy rain during the approach to land at Same. Despite efforts by the pilots to regain airspeed and arrest the descent, the helicopter impacted trees located about 0.5 NM from the Same HLS. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground and came to rest on its left side. The nurse and the helicopter crewman received serious injuries. The pilot in command, copilot and the doctor received minor injuries.
In accordance with its obligations under Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the CAD initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The CAD requested that the ATSB assist their investigation by providing technical advice and investigation management support. In accordance with Annex 13 paragraph 5.18, the ATSB appointed an Accredited Representative to assist the CAD to obtain details of the pilots' qualifications, operational and technical data and records from Australia. The ATSB also assisted by conducting some interviews by telephone.
The final investigation report titled Aircraft Accident Report Bell 212/UN079/VH-NSA is available from:
Civil Aviation Division of Timor Leste
Ministry of Transport and Communication Timor Leste
Dili East Timor