Investigation number
198502507
Occurrence date
Location
"Pasodoble", Hoskinstown (20 km SE Canberra), NSW.
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Serious

Just after lift off, the pilot initiated a climbing left turn and the helicopter struck a powerline about 120 metres from the take-off point. Control of the helicopter was lost, it impacted the ground and rolled inverted. The occupants were able to evacuate the wreckage before it was destroyed by fire. The pilot was not aware of the existence of the powerline and did not see it during a pre-take off check of the DEPARTURE path. The nearest support pole indicating the existence of the powerline was surrounded by trees and the mottled background afforded a poor contrast for the detection of the wires.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Bell Helicopter Co
Model
206
Registration
VH-BHC
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
"Pasodoble", NSW.
Departure time
1100
Destination
"Woolcara", NSW. (10 km S "Pasodoble")
Damage
Destroyed