Summary
On 25 January 2012, at about 1600 Eastern Daylight-saving Time, a Schweitzer helicopter company 300C helicopter (300C), registered VH-FUJ departed an agricultural property near Scottsdale Tasmania. The pilot was returning to his home base of Devonport at the conclusion of the day's aerial spraying activities. The pilot was the only person onboard.
Whist flying over heavily timbered country, the engine power reduced, and the helicopter collided with the tree canopy before coming to rest on the ground.
The pilot was not injured and immediately exited the helicopter, which caught fire and was destroyed. The accident highlights the value of helicopter pilots wearing a helicopter safety helmet.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2012-016 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 25/01/2012 |
| Location | 19 km south Long Hill (ALA) |
| State | Tasmania |
| Report release date | 25/06/2012 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Engine failure or malfunction |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Schweizer Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | 269 |
| Registration | VH-FUJ |
| Serial number | S1608 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Scottsdale, TAS |
| Destination | Devonport, TAS |
| Damage | Destroyed |