Investigation number
AO-2008-058
Occurrence date
Location
Mataranka Township Aerodrome
State
Northern Territory
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Systemic
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal
On 23 August 2008, at about 1200 Central Standard Time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Beta, registered VH-HPY, with a pilot and passenger on board, departed the sports ground at Mataranka, NT.
Witnesses reported that the helicopter was flying at about tree-top height when it struck powerlines before impacting the ground.
Bystanders were able to remove the seriously injured passenger from the wreckage; however, the pilot received fatal injuries. The helicopter was seriously damaged.
Examination of the wreckage did not identify any mechanical defects that would have affected the safe operation of the helicopter.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Robinson Helicopter Co
Model
R22
Registration
VH-HPY
Serial number
3047
Operation type
Private
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Mataranka, NT
Destination
Private property, 40 km NW of Mataranka
Damage
Substantial