Investigation number
198503532
Occurrence date
Location
2.5 km NW Kalbah, 40 km SSW of Ipswich
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

Prior to the commencement of the spraying operation, the pilot carried out an aerial survey of the area noting the position of all wires. On the first run, the aircraft was flown under both sets of wires. When the run in the opposite direction was commenced, the pilot intended flying the helicopter over the first set of lines and under the second set of lines. However, the helicopter collided with the second set of lines and impacted the ground 70 metres beyond the wires. The pilot stated that he had forgotten about the second set of wires and was flying the aircraft higher above the crop than normal. The previous night the pilot had had a disturbed sleep and was probably suffering some fatigue.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Hiller Aviation
Model
UH-12
Registration
VH-UHB
Operation type
Aerial Work
Departure point
2.5 km NW of Kalbah QLD
Departure time
1220 (Aprx)
Destination
2.5 km NW of Kalbah QLD
Damage
Substantial