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.
