Summary
The flight was planned as a one-hour inspection of tourist spots in the Isdell River area, 175 km north-east of Derby. The helicopter departed the base camp at Silent Grove, 15 km south-east of Mount Hart Station, landed once during the flight, and was returning to the base camp when the crash occurred. The crash site was 8 km north of the camp.
All occupants received serious injuries in the crash. One passenger, who appeared to be the most able, walked to the base camp to get help. He arrived there shortly after first light the next day. The wreckage, and the other occupants were found at approximately 1100 on the day after the crash. One passenger died during the night.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199601982 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 27/06/1996 |
| Location | 8 km north of Silent Grove, 175 km north-east of Derby |
| State | Western Australia |
| Report release date | 27/03/1997 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Fuel exhaustion |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Heavy Industries |
|---|---|
| Model | 47 |
| Registration | VH-AHU |
| Serial number | 2166 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Charter |
| Departure point | Silent Grove, WA |
| Destination | Silent Grove, WA |
| Damage | Substantial |