Comcare, ATSB investigating after helicopter damaged on rock ledge near Kubara, Kakadu National Park
The national work safety investigator is looking into a chopper incident in Kakadu National Park where rotor blades ‘clipped’ a rock face and forced a pilot into a hard landing.
Northern Territory
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UPDATE, June 16: The Commonwealth work safety investigator is looking into an incident where a chopper ‘clipped’ the rocks at a world heritage protected site.
Comcare, the national work health and safety authority, has confirmed it was making enquiries after a Squirrel helicopter’s blades hit a rock face while attempting to land at Kakadu National Park on June 1.
A Parks Australia spokeswoman said “minimal damage was inflicted on a rock face impacted by rotor blades”.
“Parks Australia will continue to work together with its providers to ensure safe operational practices,” she said.
A spokesman previously said the “rotor clipped rocks while attempting to land” at Kubara, a popular walking track in the park.
“The helicopter was contracted by Parks Australia to assist with operations within Kakadu National Park,” he said.
“The damage sustained by the impact resulted in the pilot having to carry out a forced landing.”
No one was injured in the incident, however it is understood the substantially damaged helicopter was left stranded for some time.
The ATSB has indicated it will also provide an an occurrence brief report to outline the circumstances and share relevant safety messages following the incident.
INITIAL, June 11: A Kakadu pilot has escaped a brush with disaster after a helicopter’s rotor blades smashed into a rock ledge at one of the most popular sites in the National Park.
It is understood last week a single-engine light utility helicopter was left stranded at Kubara, the end of a four-hour trek which starts 9km from the Burrungkuy, Nourlangie carpark.
The aviation safety watchdog, Australian Transport Safety Bureau, confirmed it had received reports of a damaged Squirrel helicopter at Kakadu National Park.
“While the helicopter was landing in a confined area, the main rotor blades contacted a rock ledge,” a spokesman said.
“The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades and tail boom.”
It is understood the helicopter was stuck for some time following the hard landing.
ATSB said it was preparing an occurrence brief report to outline the circumstances and share relevant safety messages following the crash.
NT Police confirmed it had no reports of the incident.
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