The ATSB is investigating a control issue event involving a Bell 412EP helicopter, registered VH‑VJF, 57 km north-east of Strahan Aerodrome, Tasmania, on 10 March 2025.
The helicopter was being operated by Coulson Aviation for firefighting operations using a sling‑loaded water bucket. While hovering to load the bucket from a river, the helicopter unexpectedly sank about 50 ft. In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated forward flight but was unable to jettison the load before the longline became taut, causing a sudden stop and an abrupt tail-down motion. This resulted in the external hook and longline making contact with the lower fuselage.
The pilot flew back to the base at Zeehan where inspection identified damage to the helicopter’s fuselage, control tubes for both the engines and the tail rotor. Damage was also identified to the bucket and longline.
To date, the ATSB investigation has included:
- interviewing involved parties
- retrieving recorded data
- the collection of other relevant information.
The ATSB has commenced the examination and analysis of the evidence collected.
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.