Safety issue

Safety issue description The Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia suggestion that an additional hazard identification check be carried out prior to a cleanup run was not routinely practiced by the pilots, or monitored by the operator.
Issue number AO-2009-017-SI-01
Issue owner Helifarm Pty Ltd
Transport function Aviation: General aviation
Date issue released 13/12/2010
Issue status justification The Chief pilot advised that changes have been made to the company operations manual that addresses hazard identification checks and has now been submitted to CASA.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2009-017-NSA-069
Organisation Helifarm Pty Ltd
Action date 05/11/2010
Action description As a result of this accident, the operator has advised that more comprehensive wire avoidance procedures will be included in the operator’s operations manual, and that pilots will be required to conduct an additional hazard identification check prior to any cleanup run.
ATSB response The ATSB is satisfied that the action by the helicopter operator will, when incorporated in the operator’s operations manual, adequately address the safety issue.
Action status Closed