Accredited Representative to the Indonesian NTSC – Collision with water involving Eurocopter EC225, VH-HGM, Barito River, Tabatan Baru Village, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, on 8 November 2026

Summary

The Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) is investigating a collision with water involving a Eurocopter EC225, registered VH-HGM, in the Barito River, near Tabatan Baru Village, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, on 8 November 2026.

The helicopter, with 3 crew members on board, was engaged in aerial firefighting operations. While lifting water from a river using a longline and bucket, it was reported that the helicopter’s engines lost power. The helicopter subsequently collided with water and sustained substantial damage. One crew member was fatally injured.

The Indonesian NTSC has requested assistance and the appointment of an accredited representative from the ATSB. To facilitate this support and to provide the appropriate protections for the information, the ATSB appointed an accredited representative in accordance with paragraph 5.23 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and commenced an investigation under the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

The NTSC is responsible for releasing a final investigation report regarding this accident. Any enquiries relating to the investigation should be directed to the NTSC.