Australian Transport Safety Bureau to investigate West Arnhem chopper crash

The type of helicopter involved in Monday’s crash has been revealed as the investigative team is sent out the site. SEE THE HISTORY OF CHOPPER CRASHES IN THE NT HERE

THE remote location of a catastrophic helicopter crash has slowed investigations as teams work their way to West Arnhem.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has confirmed an investigation had begun into the chopper crash, which claimed the life of Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson and critically injured Sebastian Robinson on Monday.

The ATSB said the Robinson R44 helicopter was “destroyed” when it crashed into terrain 30 km south of South Goulburn Island.

An investigative team has been sent out to examine the wreckage and site surrounds, with helicopter components to be examined back in Canberra.

“The ATSB will analyse any recorded data, as well as interview witnesses and other involved parties,” a spokesman said.

Sebastian Robinson from Outback Wrangler.

The investigation is anticipated to last six to eight weeks.

“A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation,” he said.

“However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”

A WorkSafe NT spokesman confirmed that inspectors were working to get to the remote site, where they would assess if there were any faults or safety issues which contributed to the crash.

He said it was still “early days” with the safety watchdog to co-ordinate their findings with agencies for the final report.

NT Police have also confirmed their investigations were also ongoing.

History of helicopter crashes in the NT

February 28 2022: A helicopter crashed near King River in a remote part of West Arnhem land, one man killed and another man in hospital. Investigation ongoing.

May 22, 2019: Two seriously injured men were trapped in a crashed helicopter in a remote area of Kakadu National Park while mustering. A third man was able to free himself and call for help. All three men survived.

May 21, 2019: While engaged in a planned cull of feral animals in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, a crew of three were using a Bell 206B3 JetRanger helicopter for aerial platform shooting. While the helicopter was operating at about 50ft above the ground, the engine decelerated to idle, resulting in an immediate loss of power, and subsequent collision with terrain. The three occupants, pilot, shooter and spotter, were seriously injured.

November 24, 2018: The pilot and passenger of a Robinson R22 were called to assist the recovery of a motor vehicle near Quartz Hill. Shortly after entering the MacDonnell Ranges, the helicopter collided with terrain on a downslope. The pilot was fatally injured and the passenger experienced serious injuries.

May 7, 2018: A helicopter pilot has escaped with his life following a serious crash in remote Central Australia. The 30-year-old man sustained serious injuries, including a broken hip, after the helicopter he was operating crashed near the Alpurrurulam community on the NT Queensland border yesterday afternoon. He was flown to the Mount Isa Hospital by RACQ LifeFlight and later transported to Brisbane in a stable condition.

January 17, 2018: A Robinson R44 helicopter departed for a scenic 15-minute flight with the pilot and three passengers onboard. The rotor RPM began to decay shortly into the flight, with the pilot unable to arrest the rate of descent, resulting in a hard landing. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured, with the other passenger experiencing minor injuries.

June 14, 2015: The pilot of a Robinson R44 helicopter was conducting cattle mustering operations at Waterloo station. A loss of engine power due to contaminants introduced into the fuel system during refuelling caused the helicopter to crash. The pilot survived the impact but later succumbed to their injuries.

November 12, 2015: A pilot was mustering cattle about 90km south of McArthur River Mine in a Robinson R22. The helicopter crashed, with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau unable to determine the reason behind it. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was unable to recall the sequence of events.

September 1, 2013: A Robinson R22 helicopter hit the ground shortly after take-off after turning into a downwind position, affecting the controllability of the aircraft. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the helicopter was destroyed.

October 4, 2010: The pilot of a Robinson R22 sustained fatal injuries after the helicopter hit the ground while conducting cattle mustering operations about 170 km east of Katherine. The investigation determined that the engine was probably the cause of the collision with the ground, probably due to fuel exhaustion.

June 27, 2010: During mustering operations, the Robinson R22 progressively lost power, causing the helicopter to drop, causing facial and back injuries to the pilot. Post flight inspection revealed that a piece of plastic cling wrap had lodged in the engine air intake cutting off the air supply to the engine.

September 30, 2008: A passenger suffered serious injuries after the pilot of a Robinson R22 turned the helicopter into a 60-knot wind, causing a forced landing into a gap in the trees before the helicopter rolled onto its nose on the passenger side.

May 30, 2004: The crew of the Robinson R22 helicopter were undertaking a fence line inspection at about 30 to 40ft above ground level at a Tobermorey homestead. Investigation found faults in the assembly of the helicopter. Both occupants sustained serious injuries and burns, and the pilot subsequently died from his injuries.

Originally published as Australian Transport Safety Bureau to investigate West Arnhem chopper crash