Investigation number
AO-2022-016
Occurrence date
Location
49.2 km 168⁰ from Puckapunyal, Victoria
State
Victoria
Report status
Pending
Investigation level
Systemic
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Final report: Internal review
Investigation status
Active
Aviation occurrence type
VFR into IMC
Occurrence category
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal
Anticipated completion

Updated 17 July 2023 

The investigation report has been drafted and is now under internal review before distribution to the external directly-involved-parties.

Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken. A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

 

Updated 16 June 2023 

The ATSB has completed the analysis phase and the investigation has progressed to the report drafting phase. 

Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken. A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

 

Updated 2 December 2022

The ATSB has successfully retrieved 1-second flightpath data from the pilot’s electronic flight bag (iPad) and downloaded the helicopter’s vehicle and engine multi-function display and Appareo camera, which contained a recording of the accident flight. The engine electronic control unit, which was severely fire damaged, and Garmin GTN750 global positioning system were not downloaded as it was considered unlikely that they would provide additional information about the operation of the helicopter or the accident sequence.

Further investigation

To date, the ATSB has examined and analysed the accident site and wreckage, pilot qualifications and training, medical records for the occupants, vehicle recorded data, meteorological data from the Bureau of Meteorology, interviews and statements, and flight planning and maintenance data. The ATSB will continue to liaise with Victoria Police, and the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) as the accredited representative for the helicopter and engine manufacturers.

The investigation is continuing and will include the review and analysis of the operator’s risk controls and similar occurrences.

Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

_____________

The information contained in this update is released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 and is derived from the initial investigation of the occurrence. Readers are cautioned that new evidence will become available as the investigation progresses that will enhance the ATSB's understanding of the accident as outlined in this update. As such, no analysis or findings are included.

Aircraft Details
Departure point
Batman Park Heliport, Victoria
Destination
Ulupna, Victoria
Model
EC 130 T2
Serial number
8345
Sector
Helicopter
Registration
VH-XWD
Operation type
Part 133 Air transport operations - rotorcraft
Damage
Destroyed
Manufacturer
Airbus Helicopters
Aircraft Operator
Microflite PTY LTD