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No pre-existing defects on Bell 206 in fatal crash

written by Adam Thorn | November 17, 2022

Click to enlarge: VH-PHP flight track through Williamtown VFR Route D589A

A preliminary report into the fatal crash of a Bell 206 JetRanger west of Newcastle last month has revealed were no pre-existing defects with the aircraft.

The ATSB said its investigation would next examine the helicopter’s maintenance documentation as well as the pilot’s medical records, qualification, and experience.

The incident killed one man – who has yet to be publicly identified – and saw the five-seat Bell 206 roll before descending and crashing into a riverbank near Maitland.

“Today’s preliminary report details factual information established in the investigation’s early evidence collection phase,” said the ATSB’s director of transport safety, Stuart Macleod.

“It has been prepared to provide timely information to the industry and public, and contains no analysis or findings, which will be detailed in the final report.”

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The ATSB investigation reveals how, on 6 October 2022, the pilot and sole occupant of a single-engine, five-seat Bell 206 JetRanger, VH-PHP, was conducting a ferry flight from northern New South Wales to Warnervale, on the Central Coast.

About two and a half hours into the flight, the helicopter crashed into the ground, coming to rest on a muddy river flat east of Maitland. The pilot was killed and the helicopter was destroyed.

ATSB investigators attended the scene and conducted an initial assessment of the aircraft in situ before it was moved to higher ground for further examination due to rising water levels.

The preliminary report notes recorded data indicated the pilot was following the inland visual flight rules (VFR) lane west of Williamtown Airport when, approaching Tocal, the aircraft started to climb, and conducted a right 180‑degree turn.

“Data showed that over the next 20 minutes, the helicopter conducted a number of turns, a climb up to 3,100 ft, and a descent to around 120 ft above ground level, and exited and re-entered the VFR lane on a number of occasions,” Macleod said.

“It was then observed by six witnesses, who reported it heading towards the Hunter River, descending slightly, and possibly initiating a turn when it rolled markedly and descended rapidly, colliding with the riverbank.”

ATSB investigators were able to account for all major aircraft components at the accident site, and examination of the aircraft’s flight controls, engine and structure did not identify any pre-existing defects.

Bureau of Meteorology data for Maitland Airport 15 minutes before the accident reported 8 kt of wind with scattered clouds at 4,000 ft and 4,500 ft and overcast cloud at 7,800 ft above the airport.

“To date, the ATSB has assessed the wreckage, interviewed witnesses and collected external data sources related to weather, air traffic communications, and flight tracking,” Mr Macleod said.

“Moving forward, the investigation will include further review and examination of aircraft maintenance documentation and operational records, recorded data,

weather information, air traffic communications, and the pilot’s medical records, qualifications, and experience.”

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

“However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken,” Mr Macleod concluded.

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