Summary
The helicopter was being ground run after two of the three rotor blades had been refitted. The aircraft apparently experienced ground resonance and the main rotor struck the ground. The aircraft rolled over and came to rest against a tree. The sole male occupant was admitted to hospital.
Enquiries revealed the person operating the helicopter did not hold a pilots or engineers licence. The helicopter had apparently been purchased on behalf of another person with the intention of shipping it out of the country.
Since the person who was running the helicopter was released from hospital he has been pursued by the CASA for questioning but has disappeared.
Ground running of helicopters must be performed by a licenced helicopter pilot, and if the helicopter is tied down, may be performed by a licenced engineer.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199602540 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 13/08/1996 |
| Location | Brisbane |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 30/09/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Loss of control |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Serious |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Brantly International Inc |
|---|---|
| Model | B-2B |
| Registration | VH-LSV |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Private |
| Damage | Substantial |