UPDATE: A damning report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reveals that the pilot involved in the helicopter crash in Porepunkah had not flown the Eurocopter EC120 model for nearly 15 years. The incident, which occurred on May 15, 2023, during a low-altitude flight, fortunately left both the pilot and a passenger uninjured.
The ATSB probe details how the pilot, despite being highly skilled and holding a commercial license, lacked recent experience with the EC120, which has specific control characteristics that differ significantly from the Robinson R44, the aircraft the pilot had primarily flown in the past year. This crucial information raises immediate concerns about pilot training and aircraft safety.
As the helicopter attempted to lift into a hover, it began to yaw to the left without any corrective action from the pilot. The report indicates that once the helicopter turned approximately 180 degrees, the pilot tried to regain control using right pedal input, but it was too late. The right skid hit the ground, causing the helicopter to roll over and sustain substantial damage.
Dr. Stuart Godley, ATSB Director of Transport Safety, emphasized the implications of this incident: “Although a highly experienced helicopter pilot, the pilot’s lack of recent type experience on the EC120 degraded their ability to anticipate and counter the left yaw.” The report suggests that the pilot’s extensive experience may have falsely bolstered their confidence in operating the EC120, despite years of inactivity with the aircraft.
This incident underscores the critical need for pilots to maintain up-to-date, type-specific flight experience, especially when transitioning between aircraft with differing control mechanisms. “This highlights the importance of maintaining recent type-specific flight experience and understanding the specific characteristics of the aircraft you fly,” Dr. Godley stated.
This crash follows a serious plane incident at the same airstrip in January 2023, which nearly resulted in a fatality. The safety of air travel in the region is now under increased scrutiny as authorities assess the implications of pilot training and aircraft familiarity.
As investigations continue, aviation safety advocates are calling for stricter regulations regarding pilot certification and training requirements. What happens next remains to be seen, but the aviation community is urged to take this incident seriously to prevent future accidents.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
