Summary
While spraying fungicide onto an 8-acre potato crop, the helicopter struck a powerline. The helicopter impacted the ground, and the pilot received fatal injuries.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199700357 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 07/02/1997 |
| Location | 1 km south-east of Gawler |
| State | Tasmania |
| Report release date | 06/08/1997 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Wirestrike |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | 47 |
| Registration | VH-JKR |
| Serial number | 2409 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | 4 km NW Gawler, Tas |
| Destination | 4 km NW Gawler, Tas |
| Damage | Destroyed |