The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a transport safety investigation into a collision with terrain accident involving a Robinson R22 helicopter at Pretty Plains Station, south of Jericho, in Central Queensland, on Monday morning.
As reported to the ATSB, the piston engine helicopter was observed descending rapidly, prior to a collision with terrain.
The ATSB will deploy a team of investigators from its Brisbane office, specialising in aircraft operations and engineering.
Once on site on Tuesday, the investigation team will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities, including aircraft examination and site mapping, and will recover any components of interest for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.
Investigators will also interview any witnesses or personnel involved in the helicopter’s operation, and collect relevant recorded information, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.