A preliminary report into the fatal crash of a Bell 206 Long Ranger has revealed bird strike as the most likely cause.
VH-ZMF was on a flight from Cattai to St Albans, NSW, in July this year when it crashed near Dargie Ridge. The aircraft was destroyed in the resulting fire and the sole occupant, the pilot, was killed in the crash.
A witness described the helicopter flying straight and level in clear skies and light winds before the crash. Several others then said they watched ZMF "enter a rapid banking turn to the right while pitching up."
The rotor blade was seen to separate from the aircraft in the moments before impact.
During the investigation, the ATSB determined that the vertical stabiliser, aft section of the tail boom, tail rotor and tail rotor gearbox detached from the aircraft in flight.
Investigators also found the carcass of a wedge-tailed eagle near a section of the Long Ranger's rotor tip.
“Testing on the bird carcass and biological residue found on external helicopter surfaces at the main wreckage site identified both as Aquila audax – commonly known as a wedge-tailed eagle,” said ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell.
“With this evidence indicating a bird strike occurred prior to an in-flight break-up, the investigation moving forward will aim to determine the full sequence of events, and potential safety learnings from this accident."
So far, the ATSB has found no apparent defects in the aircraft structure, engine or flight controls. The investigation is ongoing.
The full preliminary report is available on the ATSB website.