Investigation number
AO-2025-005
Occurrence date
Location
110 km north of Learmonth Airport
Report status
Pending
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Evidence collection
Investigation status
Active
Aviation occurrence category
Aircraft preparation
E/GPWS warning
Occurrence class
Serious Incident
Highest injury level
None
Anticipated completion

The ATSB is investigating an occurrence involving Sikorsky S-92A, registration VH-IPE, 110 km north of Learmonth Airport, Western Australia, on 1 February 2025.

During approach to an offshore vessel at night, the crew inadvertently disconnected the radar altimeter hold which would have stabilised the aircraft at a circuit height of 660 ft. The aircraft then continued to descend below circuit height and the crew subsequently received an E/GPWS TERRAIN alert and conducted a climb.

The ATSB has commenced the examination and analysis of the initial evidence collected. To date, the ATSB investigation has included: 

  • interviewing the flight crew
  • analysis of recorded flight data
  • operator's procedures
  • crew workload
  • flight crew experience
  • cockpit resource management

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.

Last Updated
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Sikorsky Aircraft
Model
S-92A
Registration
VH-IPE
Serial number
920038
Operation type
Part 91 General operating and flight rules
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Exmouth, WA
Destination
Transocean Endurance
Damage
Nil