The fatal crash of a Robinson R22 Beta II in northern Queensland highlights the importance of not flying at night without proper qualifications, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
VH-HKC was on a private flight late in the evening of 11 February 2021 when it collided with terrain near of Reedy Springs station north of Hughenden. The pilot, who was the only person on the helicopter, was killed in the crash.
The ATSB investigation found the pilot had departed Reedy Springs and was attempting to locate family members in the area when he became lost, landing first at Camden Park Station and then Wongalee to refuel and ask for directions.
“Different individuals at both stations suggested the pilot discontinue the journey, due to poor weather conditions and degrading light,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Dr Stuart Godley said.
“However, the pilot elected to continue to their planned destination, taking off from Wongalee five minutes before last light.”
The pilot tracked along a route roughly parallel to the Kennedy Developmental Road, striking and cutting a powerline 29 minutes after last light.
“Then, shortly after turning to follow an unsealed road in overcast, moonless conditions, the helicopter departed the road after a bend, before flying over open grassland and colliding with trees and terrain in a left bank, nose-down attitude," Godley said.
Conditions on the night of the accident were overcast, and just 1% of the moon was illuminated. The severed powerline cut electricity supply to a nearby station, which would have further reduced ground lighting.
“Based on the nature and location of the wirestrike, and accident location, it was very likely that the pilot was flying at a low altitude, tracking over a sealed road, then an unsealed road, in an effort to navigate back to their property.”
Weather conditions in the area were reported as storms with heavy rain, which the pilot told one witness he had been avoiding.
The ATSB investigation found that not only did the pilot not have a night rating, instrument rating or much night flying experience, but also his PPL was not endorsed for helicopters. Although he had extensive helicopter experience, most of it was over his own property during the day.
Godley said the accident highlighted the high risk of night flying in remote areas, due to the absence or degradation of visual references.
“Day visual flight rules (VFR) pilots need to plan to arrive at their destination at least 10 minutes before last light – and to not take off after this time under any circumstances.”
The full report is on the ATSB website.