The ATSB is investigating the loss of control during a marine pilot transfer of Agusta A109E helicopter, VH-XUM, aboard the bulk carrier Star Coral about 153 km north-east of Whitehaven Bay, Queensland on 25 February 2025.
The helicopter was conducting a marine pilot transfer operation on the inbound bulk carrier at Blossom Bank pilot boarding ground.
At 0902 local time, during take-off from the ship with 2 flight crew on board, the helicopter developed severe vibrations. Attempts by the crew to recover the aircraft were unsuccessful and it made contact with the ship’s helideck.
The impact resulted in the main rotor blades collapsing and also contacting the helideck. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including separation of the tail rotor. There were no injuries to the flight crew or ship's crew.
The ATSB has commenced the examination and analysis of the initial evidence collected.
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.