Section 21 (2) of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 (TSI Act) empowers the ATSB to discontinue an investigation into a transport safety matter at any time. Section 21 (3) of the TSI Act requires the ATSB to publish a statement setting out the reasons for discontinuing an investigation. The statement is published as a report in accordance with section 25 of the TSI Act, capturing information from the investigation up to the time of discontinuance.
Overview of the investigation
On 14 April 2024, the ATSB was notified and subsequently commenced an investigation of an engine failure and ditching involving a Bell Helicopter 206B-3, registered VH-VHC, near Thursday Island, Torres Strait, Queensland.
Shortly after take-off, as the helicopter was climbing between around 500–700 ft above ground level, the pilot reported feeling a slight engine surge before the engine lost power. The pilot conducted an autorotation[1] and ditched the helicopter about 300 m west of Thursday Island Hospital. The helicopter rolled after it entered the water. The pilot and 2 passengers escaped from the helicopter and were rescued by witnesses. No injuries were sustained.
The pilot reported the helicopter stayed afloat for about 5 minutes before sinking. The helicopter has not been recovered.
During the investigation, the ATSB:
- interviewed the pilot and 2 passengers, along with another pilot from the company
- obtained a copy of the Spidertracks tracking data from the helicopter to examine the flight path
- obtained a copy of the Queensland Police Service investigation report.
Reasons for the discontinuation
Based on a review of the available evidence, the ATSB considered it was unlikely that further investigation would identify any systemic safety issues or important safety lessons. Consequently, the ATSB has discontinued this investigation.
The evidence collected during this investigation remains available to be used in future investigations or safety studies. The ATSB will also monitor for any similar occurrences that may indicate a need to undertake a further safety investigation.
[1] Autorotation is a condition of descending flight where, following engine failure or deliberate disengagement, the rotor blades are driven solely by aerodynamic forces resulting from rate of descent airflow through the rotor. The rate of descent is determined mainly by airspeed.