Flight crew incapacitation involving a Sikorsky S-76A, VH-LAI, Pearce Aerodrome, Western Australia, on 8 February 1996

The crew were carrying out rappelling recurrency training at the time of the accident. During the first of several planned descents down the rope, from 70 ft, the rescue crewman misjudged his speed and landed heavily, resulting in a fracture of his right leg.

The speed during descent is normally controlled by the degree of braking applied to the rope by one hand. The braking required is judged on 'feel' through the glove. The rescue crewman was wearing two pairs of gloves as the pair he normally wore were slightly frayed. He had previously only worn a single pair during rappelling activities. It is probable that the extra pair of gloves altered the 'feel' causing the crewman to misjudge his descent rate.

The crew were all endorsed for rappelling activities, a pre-flight briefing had been completed, and activities were being conducted in accordance with the operations manual. However, the rescue crewman's rappelling currency had lapsed.

Safety Action

The operator has introduced a flying safety instruction requiring crew, who's currency in rappelling has lapsed, to complete at least three descents from a suitable static platform prior to helicopter operations. In addition, the first rappel from the helicopter will be completed from 30 ft instead of 70 ft.

The operator is also researching the use of mechanical braking devices as an alternative to the 'feel' system.