The ATSB has issued a warning about properly fitted flight helmets after a weed-spraying Robinson R44 struck a powerline in regional NSW in 2020.
VH-HNF was spraying paddocks at Steam Plains south-east of Hay when the pilot lost control after hitting a powerline, suffering fatal injuries in the ensuing impact with the ground.
The pilot was on the fifth spray run of the day when he climbed the helicopter at the end of run to clear trees. It was during the descent to restart spraying that the skids contacted the wire. The R44 crashed 120 m beyond the wire.
Although the pilot was wearing a flight helmet, the ATSB investigation concluded that it came off after the initial impact and did not reduce the impact forces enough for the pilot to survive.
"Either the impact forces exceeded the helmet design specifications, or the helmet was not fitted, worn or maintained correctly," the ATSB has said.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said that flying helmets could be effective only if used and maintained properly.
“A correctly fitted and secured flight helmet can significantly reduce injuries and save lives in the event of a serious incident or accident but to be fully effective it must be adjusted to fit the head and the chin strap must be fastened securely,” he said.
“In addition, helmets must be serviced regularly, routinely inspected for damage, and replaced immediately if it has sustained a major impact.”
The ATSB investigation concluded that the powerline was very difficult to see from the air and although the pilot had identified the powerline in pre-flight planning, had not carried out an aerial inspection to verify its location.
The full report is on the ATSB website.