Media Release
2009/19
Helicopter Accident, Dorrigo, NSW
10 December 2009
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) held a media
briefing near Dorrigo, NSW on the ATSB's investigation into the
Bell 206 helicopter accident on 9 December 2009.
Senior Investigator Chuck Davies told the media that the
investigation would seek to identify what factors may have
contributed to the accident. The ATSB is also investigating two
other incidents involving helicopter operations in support of fire
fighting efforts, that occurred near Bathurst and Tamworth this
week.
The ATSB has dispatched a team of five investigators to Dorrigo.
The team arrived on site early on 10 December and is expected to be
on site for 3 to 5 days. The ATSB is working closely with the NSW
police who are also on site.
During their time on site, the team will; examine the site
including the available physical evidence, speak to any witnesses,
and visit the aircraft operator to recover relevant operational and
maintenance documentation. A number of items and components from
the helicopter may be recovered from the site for later technical
examination.
On return from the accident site, the investigation will
continue gathering factual information including the weather at the
time of the accident, any recorded data, and additional witness and
other interviews. The investigation will then analyse the data
before making any findings and, where necessary, will encourage
safety action in order to prevent a recurrence of similar
accidents.
It is too early to speculate about contributory and other
factors relevant to this accident. Accident investigations can be
complex and fatal accidents such as occurred at Dorrigo yesterday
can take many months to finalise and to release the final
investigation report to the public. However, a Preliminary Factual
Report will be released in about 30 days.
Any witnesses to the accident are requested to contact the ATSB
at tel: 1800 011 034 or 1800 020 616, or via email
Media Contact: 1800 020 616
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