Summary
On 23 August 2008, at about 1200 Central Standard Time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Beta, registered VH-HPY, with a pilot and passenger on board, departed the sports ground at Mataranka, NT.
Witnesses reported that the helicopter was flying at about tree-top height when it struck powerlines before impacting the ground.
Bystanders were able to remove the seriously injured passenger from the wreckage; however, the pilot received fatal injuries. The helicopter was seriously damaged.
Examination of the wreckage did not identify any mechanical defects that would have affected the safe operation of the helicopter.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2008-058 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 23/08/2008 |
| Location | Mataranka Township Aerodrome |
| State | Northern Territory |
| Report release date | 12/02/2009 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| 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 | Robinson Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | R22 |
| Registration | VH-HPY |
| Serial number | 3047 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Mataranka, NT |
| Destination | Private property, 40 km NW of Mataranka |
| Damage | Substantial |