Aviation Safety Investigation Report - Final

On 13 February 2008, a Piper Aircraft Corporation PA-18 Super Cub aircraft and a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Raven helicopter were engaged in feral goat culling operations in the Kennedy Range National Park, WA.

The two aircraft collided in mid-air as the pilot of the helicopter executed a climbing left turn that brought the two aircraft into close proximity. The pilot and shooter occupants of the R44 were aware that the Super Cub was approaching them at the same height, and the helicopter pilot was aware of the position of the aeroplane during the helicopter's climbing turn, but it appeared probable that the pilot and spotter occupants of the Super Cub did not see the helicopter.

The helicopter's main rotor blades struck the Super Cub's right wing, severing the lift struts. The right wing detached in flight, and the Super Cub fell to the ground. The pilot and spotter were fatally injured. The helicopter was able to land safely.

The investigation determined that the occupants of the Super Cub were probably unaware of the proximity of the R44, and that the R44 pilot did not recognise the collision hazard until there was insufficient time to prevent contact with the Super Cub.

The investigation also identified that there were no formalised operating procedures detailing the conduct of culling operations involving multiple aircraft that may have assisted in the maintenance of aircraft separation.

In response to this accident, a number of safety actions were undertaken by the R44 and Super Cub operators. In addition, extensive safety action was carried out by the WA Government departments that were involved in the operation. That included in the areas of risk management, the review and amendment of guidelines and procedures affecting multiple aircraft operations, the adoption of Safety Management Systems, and the provision of training for departmental personnel.

On 13 February 2008, a Piper Aircraft Corporation Super Cub aeroplane and a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Raven helicopter collided in midair during feral goat culling operations. The aeroplane impacted the ground at a steep angle, fatally injuring the two occupants. The helicopter, though damaged, was safely landed.

Download Interim Factual report [ 1.2 MB ]

On 13 February 2008, a Piper Aircraft Corporation Super Cub aeroplane and a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Raven helicopter collided in midair during feral goat culling operations. The aeroplane impacted the ground at a steep angle, fatally injuring the two occupants. The helicopter, though damaged, was safely landed.

Download Preliminary report [ 732 KB ]