Aviation safety investigations & reports
Controlled flight into terrain involving a Robinson R22, VH-LZR, 100 km E Mataranka Township (ALA), NT, on 10 February 2014
AO-2014-021
Summary
On 10 February 2014, at about 1500 Central Standard Time, the pilot of a Robinson R22 helicopter, registered VH-LZR, commenced take-off for a private local flight from a property about 100 km east of Mataranka, Northern Territory.
As the helicopter became airborne heading to the south-east, the pilot sighted an object moving to his right. At about 10 ft above ground level, the pilot was distracted looking outside the door at the object and the helicopter collided with a tree. The helicopter sustained substantial damage and the pilot was uninjured.
This incident shows that distractions can have a significant impact on flight safety.
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General details
| Date: | 10 February 2014 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
| Time: | 1500 CST | Investigation level: | Short - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
| Location (show map): | Mataranka Township (ALA), east 100 km (Flying Fox Station) | ||||
| State: | Northern Territory | Occurrence type: | CFIT | ||
| Release date: | 27 March 2014 | Occurrence class: | Operational | ||
| Report status: | Final | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
| Highest injury level: | None |
Aircraft details
| Aircraft manufacturer | Robinson Helicopter Co | |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft model | R22 | |
| Aircraft registration | VH-LZR | |
| Serial number | 2629 | |
| Type of operation | Private | |
| Sector | Helicopter | |
| Damage to aircraft | Substantial | |
| Departure point | Flying Fox Station, NT |