Summary
On 9 November 2010, the student pilot of a Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Beta II, registered VH-TCG, was engaged in a helicopter aerial stock mustering operation on a private station near Rolleston, Queensland. During the muster, after losing communication with the helicopter, one of the mustering party found the wreckage of the helicopter. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, was fatally injured and the helicopter seriously damaged as a result of the collision with terrain.
The investigation found that the pilot had not met the competency standards to operate a helicopter solo, and had not received any training towards low flying or aerial stock mustering.
The investigation did not identify any organisational or systemic issues that might adversely affect the future safety of aviation operations. However, the accident does provide a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring that flight crews have the appropriate competencies and currency before engaging in highly-skilled tasks.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2010-092 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 09/11/2010 |
| Location | 44 km WSW Rolleston |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 13/05/2011 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | R22 |
| Registration | VH-TCG |
| Serial number | 3271 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Private |
| Damage | Substantial |