Summary
The helicopter was on a private flight from Kambalda to Kalgoorlie. Witnesses reported observing the helicopter flying at a very low height, north along the Kalgoorlie/Kambalda road immediately prior to striking a set of power lines that crossed the road. The helicopter struck the power lines in a level attitude before falling heavily onto the road.
The two passengers were able to escape the cockpit but the pilot had received fatal injuries. Although fuel was flowing from a ruptured fuel tank, there was no post-crash fire. An emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was not fitted to the aircraft. None of the helicopter's occupants carried a portable ELT.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199801114 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 05/04/1998 |
| Location | 10 km north of Kambalda |
| State | Western Australia |
| Report release date | 02/10/1998 |
| 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-SRQ |
| Serial number | 6625 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Kambalda, WA |
| Destination | Kalgoorlie, WA |
| Damage | Destroyed |