Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
The minimal clearance from obstructions, unfavourable surface conditions and a lack of appropriate wind indication at the helicopter landing site (HLS) increased the risk associated with operations to the HLS, particularly for a pilot unfamiliar with the site. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | AO-2011-110-SI-02 |
| Issue owner | Helicopter landing site owners |
| Transport function | Aviation: Other |
| Date issue released | 18/02/2014 |
| Issue status justification |
The ATSB is satisfied that the action by the owner of the Shoalwater Bay training area HLSs adequately addresses this safety issue and therefore makes no recommendation. |
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Action number | AO-2011-110-NSA-071 |
| Organisation | Department of Defence |
| Action date | 18/02/2014 |
| Action description |
An independent safety audit of all Shoalwater Bay training area HLSs was carried out following the accident. In response to recommendations made in that report, vegetation was cleared at the Double Mountain South HLS to provide obstruction-free approach and departure paths into the prevailing wind, a wind indicator in the form of windsock was installed and a steel deck was constructed to provide a level landing surface that was clear of rocks and tree stumps. Similar work was carried out at other HLSs and one HLS was relocated to a more favourable location. |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB is satisfied that the action by the owner of the Shoalwater Bay training area HLSs adequately addresses this safety issue and therefore makes no recommendation. |
| Action status | Closed |