Summary
Just after lift off, the pilot initiated a climbing left turn and the helicopter struck a powerline about 120 metres from the take-off point. Control of the helicopter was lost, it impacted the ground and rolled inverted. The occupants were able to evacuate the wreckage before it was destroyed by fire. The pilot was not aware of the existence of the powerline and did not see it during a pre-take off check of the DEPARTURE path. The nearest support pole indicating the existence of the powerline was surrounded by trees and the mottled background afforded a poor contrast for the detection of the wires.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198502507 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 06/01/1985 |
| Location | "Pasodoble", Hoskinstown (20 km SE Canberra), NSW. |
| Report release date | 10/05/1985 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Wirestrike |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Serious |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | 206 |
| Registration | VH-BHC |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | "Pasodoble", NSW. |
| Destination | "Woolcara", NSW. (10 km S "Pasodoble") |
| Damage | Destroyed |