Investigation into Fatal Helicopter Crash in Central Queensland Reveals Pilot Did Not See Powerline

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Investigation Reveals Pilot’s Lack of Visibility in Fatal Helicopter Crash

In a tragic incident that occurred on April 4, a fatal helicopter crash took the life of well-known grazier Alan Acton during a mustering operation on a property in Bingegang, central Queensland. An investigation conducted by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has now shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash, revealing that the pilot likely did not see a powerline before colliding with it.

The ATSB report, released on Friday afternoon, disclosed that the helicopter struck a single aerial wire at a height of approximately 5.6 meters upon impact. The wire, which was not marked and not required to be, went unnoticed by the pilot. The investigation employed the use of a drone to simulate the flight path the helicopter would have taken before the accident. Images captured by the drone demonstrated the difficulty in distinguishing the wire from the background, with the left pole obscured by trees.

ATSB director of transport and safety, Stuart Godley, emphasized the challenges associated with spotting wires from the air, even for experienced pilots. He stated, “Wires are notoriously difficult to see from the air, even when you know where they are.” The report further highlighted that while the terrain to the right of the helicopter’s flight path would have been clear, the presence of tall trees obstructed the wire and pole on the left side.

Despite Acton’s familiarity with the property and knowledge of the powerline’s existence, the report could not definitively determine the level of awareness he had regarding its location at the time of the accident. The ATSB report serves as a tragic reminder of the hazards posed by aerial powerlines during low-level mustering operations. Dr. Godley urged all pilots involved in such activities to familiarize themselves with the ATSB’s educational publication on wire-strikes, which provides valuable insights from previous accidents.

While the wire that the helicopter collided with was not required to be marked, the ATSB suggested that electrical power and telecommunications companies in Australia could implement marking for powerlines identified as hazards for low-level flying operations. Additionally, the report noted the absence of a wire-strike protection system, commonly known as a wire cutter, for R44s and other small helicopters. However, the report acknowledged that where available, such a system can serve as a last line of defense in the event of a wire-strike.

The loss of Alan Acton has deeply impacted the cattle industry, where he was regarded as a giant. This investigation serves as a grim reminder of the risks that pilots face during low-level operations and the need for increased awareness and safety measures to prevent future accidents..