Alan Acton: ATSB posts investigation notice into helicopter crash
As the community comes to terms with the tragic death of industry icon Alan Acton in a helicopter crash, an investigation notice from the Australia Transport Safety Bureau has been released.
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As the Queensland agriculture and racing community comes to terms with the tragic death of industry icon Alan Acton in a helicopter crash, an investigation notice from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been released.
The ATSB has published an investigation notification into the ‘collision with terrain’ involving the Robinson R44 II helicopter with registration number VH-WLH Mr Acton, 65, was piloting when tragedy struck while mustering at his family’s property Wilpeena at Bingegang near Dingo on Tuesday, April 4.
The investigative body reported it was in its ‘evidence collection’ stage of a probe into the crash and anticipated a Q3 2023 completion date.
“The ATSB is investigating the collision with terrain involving Robinson R44, registered VH-WLH, at Bingegang, Queensland on 4 April 2023,” the report’s summary stated.
“During aerial mustering, the helicopter struck a wire and collided with terrain. The pilot was fatally injured and the helicopter was destroyed by post-impact fire.
“The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve examining the helicopter wreckage, interviewing any witnesses, examination of maintenance records, and the collection of other relevant evidence.
“A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.”
The latest update comes amid an outpouring of support for the well-respected Acton family in Central Queensland. Mr Acton is survived by his wife and three children.
Outside of cattle and agriculture, Mr Acton was well known for his passion for horse racing, with his family having raced horses for three generations and enjoyed great success.
Horses Outback Barbie and Honey Pot were the most successful in the Acton family stable, with Outback Barbie delivering Mr Acton his biggest win as an owner when it took out the $1 million Magic Millions QTIS Open in 2020, on top of four Listed wins across her 25-start career that netted almost $1.6 million in prize money.
Mr Acton served as the vice chairman of the Central Queensland Amateur Race Club and his presence will be sorely missed at the upcoming ‘The Archer’ in Rockhampton later this month.
The former cattle baron, along with his wife Jennifer, are slot-holders in the race and had been hoping to have a horse from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable run in their name.
Racing Queensland was one of the many groups to pay tribute to Mr Acton following his tragic death, with acting CEO Adam Wallish saying he would be remembered as ‘one of Queensland racing’s most revered figures’.
“Alan will be remembered as a stalwart of the industry here in Queensland, and more importantly, one of racing’s genuinely nice humans,” Mr Wallish said.
“The famous green and white silks were a constant in the winner’s circle here in Brisbane, however Alan’s work in regional and country racing was significant.
“His impact on the sport – both as an owner and administrator – cannot be understated, and he leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the industry.”
In a touching tribute, Magic Millions’ David Chester said Mr Acton’s passing ‘belies comprehension and words’.
“In my auctioneering and management roles at MM and many years previously at other companies, I had a very close association with the Acton family,” Mr Chester said.
“Alan and I became close friends. Alan’s love for racing and particularly the horse was second to none. It was a given each January that Alan and the ‘love of his life’, wife Jennifer would be seeking out a yearling at Magic Millions.
“Alan always wanted to win a Magic Millions 2YO Classic with a yearling he purchased through his own judgment at MM. I can still see the couple’s elation when Outback Barbie won her older age MM Classic just a few short years ago.
“Alan Acton was not just a friend of MM, myself and my wife Patricia but a friend to “all” who crossed his path.
“Battlers, stockmen, his loyal cattle property workers and the racing industry in general have lost an irreplaceable icon – not that Alan would have ever wished that to be written.
“That’s because he was at heart a humble and kind man and adored family man. The horse racing industry is all the poorer for his passing.
“RIP Alan Acton and rest assured you were a winner in every sense of the word.
“The Magic Millions team, while saddened by your passing and offering heartfelt condolences to your family, will treasure with your loved ones the most magical of memories.
“Vale Alan Acton – a practical and skilled ‘Horseman’s Horseman’ and an honourable man.”
Isaac Regional Council mayor Anne Baker said Mr Acton’s passing was ‘incredibly tragic’.
“On behalf of our Isaac region, we would like to extend our condolences to the Acton family,” Mayor Baker said.
“Alan’s legacy with his work with the Middlemount Races and advocating for the grazing industry over the years will forever not only in my mind but all our communities,” Mayor Baker said.
“Losing legends like Alan has really struck the chord with us as he was a kind, caring and larger than life figure. Rest in peace, Alan.”
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