ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 301899
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| Date: | Wednesday 30 November 2022 |
| Time: | 13:00 |
| Type: |  Hughes 269C |
| Owner/operator: | The Helicopter Group |
| Registration: | VH-OBK |
| MSN: | 119-0855 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | near Moorabbin Airport (MBW/YMMB), Melbourne, VIC -
 Australia
|
| Phase: | Approach |
| Nature: | Training |
| Departure airport: | Moorabbin Airport, VIC (MBW/YMMB) |
| Moorabbin Airport, VIC (MBW/YMMB) | |
| Investigating agency: | ATSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
On the afternoon of 30 November 2022, the student pilot of a Hughes Helicopters 269C, registered VH-OBK, was returning to Moorabbin following the pilot’s second solo navigation training flight.
As the helicopter approached the landing area, the approach became unstable, and the pilot commenced a go‑around. As the helicopter climbed to about 650 ft above ground level, the pilot commenced a right turn onto the downwind leg of the circuit to position for a second approach for landing. Shortly after, the pilot noticed reduced performance and decided to continue the turn back toward the airport.
The helicopter continued to lose height and, recognising that a forced landing was required, the pilot turned the helicopter left toward a school ground to attempt an autorotation landing. The helicopter subsequently collided with the rooftops of 2 houses just short of the school ground. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the helicopter was substantially damaged.
The ATSB found that as the helicopter climbed to about 650 ft above ground level, the engine lost power. The reason for the engine power loss was not determined.
The power loss was not immediately recognised which limited the opportunities for a safe forced landing. During the forced landing, the helicopter did not have sufficient height to reach the selected landing area and collided with rooftops.
This accident highlights the challenges pilots face when confronted with a loss of engine power at low level and with few suitable landing areas available.
Pilots can best mitigate the effects of a power loss by forward planning, which reduces your mental workload under stress. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Advisory Circular Guidelines for helicopters -suitable places to take off and land recommends:
"before conducting a take-off from any aerodrome, pilots of single-engine helicopters make themselves aware of the areas that would be suitable, from the lift-off point to a safe manoeuvring height, to conduct a forced landing in the event of engine failure after take-off."
These challenges of managing a power loss are increased for an inexperienced student pilot. While in this case, the selected landing location was unable to be reached, importantly, the pilot maintained control of the helicopter to maximise survivability.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/news/horror-as-helicopter-crashes-into-house-in-mentone-melbourne/news-story/5140b65758866d18d600983fb82afbb0
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11484189/Helicopter-crashes-house-Mentone-Melbourne.html
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2022/report/ao-2022-063
https://cdn.jetphotos.com/full/6/36668_1660213933.jpg (photo)
Images:
Photo: ATSB
Revision history:
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