ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 201044
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| Date: | Tuesday 7 November 2017 |
| Time: | 17:22 LT |
| Type: |  Aerospatiale AS 350BA Squirrel |
| Owner/operator: | Rotorlift Aviation |
| Registration: | VH-BAA |
| MSN: | 2015 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 2 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Hobart Airport (YMHB), TAS -
 Australia
|
| Phase: | Unknown |
| Nature: | Training |
| Departure airport: | Hobart Airport, TAS (HBA/YMHB) |
| Hobart Airport, TAS (HBA/YMHB) | |
| Investigating agency: | ATSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
On 6 November 2017, a commercial helicopter pilot commenced a 2-day AS350 helicopter endorsement as a pilot under instruction (PUI). The first day was spent with an instructor covering aircraft systems, and pre-flight inspection. The PUI and instructor also conducted a 1.1-hour flight that afternoon covering the initial flying components of the endorsement.
On 7 November 2017, the PUI studied the aircraft’s electrical system, and theory on handling of in-flight emergencies, including hydraulic system emergencies, with the same instructor. Following the classroom session, the PUI conducted an inspection of the aircraft under the supervision of the instructor.
At 10:02 local time, the PUI and instructor commenced a training flight of 1.2 hours covering pinnacle approaches and confined areas, followed by run-on landings. The PUI’s next planned flight was with the chief flying instructor (CFI) for the conduct of emergency sequences.
At the aircraft, the PUI explained his requirement for a low-level approval and type endorsement with the CFI however, no pre-flight brief was conducted. The PUI and CFI boarded the aircraft and began the flight at 16:22. Pre-flight checks included testing of the hydraulic system and switches with no apparent faults identified. The PUI recalled that following the low-level phase of the training flight, the CFI demonstrated some upper air emergencies and had the PUI perform them. After satisfactory completion, they flew back to Hobart Airport for a continuation of practice emergencies.
The PUI recalled that upon joining the circuit at left base for approach to area X-Ray parallel to runway 12, the CFI announced a simulated hydraulic failure and activated the hydraulic test (HYD TEST) switch. As expected, a warning light and horn sounded. The PUI slowed from 90 kt to below 60 kt, consistent with the flight manual profile for hydraulic failure. The PUI then activated the hydraulic cut-off (HYD CUTOFF) switch. Following that, it is highly likely that the HYD TEST switch was released, though it is not known specifically when that occurred.
The PUI was to fly a run-on landing at around 10 kt without hydraulic assistance as per the requirements of the flight manual procedure. The PUI said he was comfortable to do so knowing the CFI was there to step in if anything were to go wrong. The PUI had very little further recollection, beyond the initiation of the event.
Control of the helicopter was lost and the aircraft collided with terrain. The CFI was fatally injured and the PUI was seriously injured.
Contributing factors
- The rotorcraft flight manual hydraulic failure emergency procedures were not followed. Specifically, the final approach was flown with a significant right crosswind and the helicopter was allowed to slow to a high hover.
- The hydraulic failure training sequence was allowed to progress to a point where control was no longer assured.
- Hover flight without hydraulic assistance led to loss of control of the aircraft.
- The hydraulic system was restored too late in the sequence to recover control of the aircraft. The reason for late restoration could not be determined.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/hobart-airport-closed-after-fatal-helicopter-crash-20171107-gzgu0l.html
http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/helicopter-crash-at-hobart-airport/news-story/98f4d15f7807210429eab3333bf89a9b
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2017/aair/ao-2017-109/
https://www.casa.gov.au/aircraft-register?search_api_views_fulltext=&vh=Baa&field_ar_serial=
http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/000289916.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-08/rotorlift-roger-corbin-pilot-killed-in-hobart-airport-crash/9128098
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2017/aair/ao-2017-109/
_____________________________
https://www.rotorlift.com.au/
Location
Media:
First photos of the helicopter crash at Hobart Airport. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN #mercurybreakingnews https://t.co/K1Vk9a8YX1 pic.twitter.com/oBb3M9GEJy
— Mercury (@themercurycomau) 7 novembre 2017
One man is dead, another is fighting for life this morning after a helicopter crash at Hobart airport. #7News pic.twitter.com/tPHvWcczNZ
— 7 News Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) 7 novembre 2017
The ATSB has released its preliminary investigation report into a fatal collision with terrain involving an AS350BA Squirrel helicopter at Hobart Airport on 7 November 2017. The investigation is continuing. https://t.co/8KUokKrkD4 pic.twitter.com/3zX1lxprDL
— ATSB (@atsbinfo) 18 décembre 2017
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 07-Nov-2017 13:42 | gerard57 | Added |
| 07-Nov-2017 14:50 | Aerossurance | Updated [Time, Aircraft type, Operator, Location, Phase, Destination airport, Source, Narrative] |
| 07-Nov-2017 20:51 | Iceman 29 | Updated [Location, Destination airport, Source, Embed code] |
| 07-Nov-2017 20:52 | Iceman 29 | Updated [Embed code] |
| 08-Nov-2017 04:24 | Geno | Updated [Registration, Cn, Operator, Source, Embed code] |
| 08-Nov-2017 14:53 | Aerossurance | Updated [Nature, Source] |
| 08-Nov-2017 20:23 | Iceman 29 | Updated [Embed code] |
| 18-Dec-2017 13:12 | Iceman 29 | Updated [Nature, Departure airport, Source, Embed code, Narrative] |
| 22-Jul-2020 07:11 | harro | Updated [Time, Departure airport, Destination airport, Embed code, Narrative, Accident report, ] |
| 22-Jul-2020 07:11 | harro | Updated [Embed code, Accident report, ] |
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