Collision with terrain involving Robinson R22 Beta, VH-PSC, near Limbunya Station, Northern Territory, on 27 June 2023

This preliminary report details factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase and has been prepared to provide timely information to the industry and public. Preliminary reports contain no analysis or findings, which will be detailed in the investigation’s final report. The information contained in this preliminary report is released in accordance with section 26 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.

The occurrence

On 27 June 2023, at about 0700 local time, the pilot of a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, registered VH‑PSC (PSC), departed Limbunya Station, Northern Territory, in company with a second R22 registered VH‑RCS (RCS). Their task was to muster stock in a small paddock to the north of GB bore, about 29 km to the south-east of the station homestead. In addition, they were to assist the ground mustering party to move stock that had been mustered from ‘No. 22’ paddock into the GB bore holding yards the previous day, to the ‘No. 18’ yards (Figure 1).

The helicopters arrived at the northern end of the paddock at about 0730 and began pushing cattle south towards the GB bore holding yards. The pilot of PSC then supported the ground mustering party in moving stock from the yards into a fenced laneway. The laneway would guide the stock to the No. 18 holding yards, that were located about 8 km to the south‑west.

Figure 1: Limbunya Station and operational area

Source: Google Earth, annotated by the ATSB

At about 0915, when the cattle were moving along the laneway under the control of the ground mustering party, the pilot of PSC was released from that task, and returned to assist the pilot of RSC with completing the mustering task.

At about 0930, the pilot of RCS diverted to Manu bore to refuel the helicopter from drum stock. Following refuelling, the pilot departed back to the small paddock, and at about 0945 acknowledged a departure call from the pilot of PSC who had also completed refuelling at Manu bore.

At about 1000, the pilot of RCS contacted the head musterer via radio to enquire if they had been in contact with the pilot of PSC. The head musterer advised that no contact had occurred since the time PSC had been released. Having received no replies from PSC to their radio calls, the pilot of RCS commenced searching the area around Manu bore, and gradually progressed the search towards GB bore.

At about 1015, the pilot of RCS located the wreckage of PSC. The helicopter was destroyed and the pilot had sustained fatal injuries.

Context

Pilot information

The pilot held a Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) with the required ratings and endorsements to operate the accident helicopter, and a valid Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate. The pilot had about 14,000 flying hours on helicopters, including over 3,000 hours on the R22 type. The pilot also held a Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane), with about 2,500 hours logged.

Aircraft information

VH-PSC was a Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Beta helicopter, serial number 4429. It was manufactured in the United States in December 2008 and first registered in Australia in January 2009. The helicopter was fitted with a 4-cylinder Lycoming engine, model O‑360-J2A, serial number L-40927-36C-C-A. On 15 June 2023, the aircraft underwent a 100-hourly/annual inspection, during which the engine was replaced with a newly overhauled unit. A new maintenance release was issued at this time, which stated that the aircraft had accrued 6,300.2 hours total time-in-service.

Meteorological information

Witnesses in the area reported that the weather conditions at the time of the accident consisted of overcast[1] skies with no precipitation, a temperature of about 20-25 °C, and a slight breeze.

Site and wreckage information

The accident site was located in an area that was flat and moderately wooded. The helicopter collided with terrain on an approximate north-west heading. There was a short wreckage trail of about 18 m, with all helicopter parts present at the accident site and no evidence of an in-flight break-up or a post-impact fire.

One main rotor blade tip was liberated in the collision and was found about 40 m to the left of the helicopter. Examination of the flight controls and helicopter structure did not identify any pre‑existing defects. The site examination found that both fuel tanks remained intact and contained fuel. In addition, fuel quality was established through testing of fuel stocks at Manu bore and the homestead.

Recorded information

The helicopter was not fitted with a tracking unit, flight data recorder or cockpit voice recorder, nor was it required to be.

To date, the ATSB has examined the accident site and wreckage, collected meteorological data from the Bureau of Meteorology, collected pilot and aircraft related records, conducted interviews, and liaised with the Northern Territory Police Force.

The investigation is continuing and will include further review and analysis of:

• electronic data from the pilot’s mobile phone 
• meteorological data
• wreckage information
• instruments and components collected from the accident site
• aircraft maintenance history
• 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.

Acknowledgements

The ATSB acknowledges the assistance provided by the Northern Territory Police Force, the management and staff at Limbunya Station, and the operator.