Investigation number
AO-2025-009
Occurrence date
Location
153 km north-east of Whitehaven Bay
Report status
Pending
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Final report: Drafting
Investigation status
Active
Aviation occurrence category
Collision with terrain
Loss of control
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None
Anticipated completion

On the morning of 25 February 2025, an Agusta A109E helicopter was conducting a marine pilot transfer operation on the inbound bulk carrier Star Coral at Blossom Bank pilot boarding ground, 153 km off the coast of Whitehaven Bay in Central Queensland.

At 0902 local time, during take-off from the ship with 2 flight crew on board, the helicopter developed severe vibrations. Attempts by the crew to recover the aircraft were unsuccessful and it made contact with the ship’s helideck.

The impact resulted in the main rotor blades collapsing and also contacting the helideck. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including separation of the tail rotor.

The occurrence did not result in any injuries to the flight crew or ship's crew.

The ATSB has completed the evidence collection and analysis phases of the investigation and is drafting the final report.

The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.

Last Updated
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Agusta, S.p.A, Construzioni Aeronautiche
Model
A109E
Registration
VH-XUM
Serial number
11684
Operation type
Part 138 Aerial work operations
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Blossom Banks
Damage
Substantial
Vessel Details
Destination
Port of Hay Point
Vessel name
Star Coral
Marine vehicle sector
Bulk carrier
Flag
Bahamas
IMO
9477854
Damage
Nil