Investigation number
199602993
Occurrence date
Location
35 km north-east of Tamworth Aerodrome
State
New South Wales
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Serious

The helicopter was engaged in the inspection of 330KV power transmission lines.

The pilot reported that the helicopter was being hovered at a workstation bonded to a conductor, whilst a linesman measured a mid-span joint. The helicopter was kept at an angle of 30 degrees to the cable, partly due to the gusty wind, and also due to the rising gradient of the power lines to the rear. However, the tail of the helicopter suddenly yawed towards the conductor. Although the pilot applied full left pedal, he was unable to stop or even slow the rate of yaw before the tail rotor contacted the conductor. The pilot reduced power immediately, descending the helicopter forward and right in an effort to touch down before losing control.

A metallic screeching noise was heard, which was assumed to be caused by the tail rotor gearbox separating. At some point in the turn the nose dropped and the helicopter began to roll left. Collision with part of a tree prior to ground impact was unavoidable. The pilot subsequently shut the engine down with the fuel cutoff lever, as his left arm was injured during the impact sequence. The ELT did not activate.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Hughes Helicopters
Model
369D
Registration
VH-PLL
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Roadside South of Uralla NSW
Destination
15 Nm NE of Tamworth NSW
Damage
Substantial