The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) today released an investigation report into the fatal crash of a Robinson R44 near Mitchell, QLD, in May 2015.
The helicopter, VH-HRW, was conducting mustering operations on a property 63 km north-east of Mitchell when it collided with a dead tree, tearing of the tail section. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was killed in the impact.
"Given the low-level flight into the afternoon sun, it was likely that due to sun glare, the pilot did not see or misjudged the height and/or distance to the dead and defoliated tree before the tree strike," the ATSB report concludes.
"As a result of the tree strike, the tail rotor, combined vertical and horizontal stabilisers and tail rotor gearbox separated from the tail boom, rendering the helicopter uncontrollable and resulting in the collision with the terrain.
Although the helicopter cockpit contained unrestrained articles, specifically a camera and a shotgun, the ATSB was unable to determine if they contributed to the pilot's injuries.
The ATSB noted also that the R44 was fitted with the bladder fuel tanks, which did not rupture on impact. There was no post-crash fire.
The full report is available on the ATSB website.