Faulty Radio System Key Factor in 2023 Australian Helicopter Crash: Investigation
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Synopsis
An official investigation revealed that a faulty radio system was among several factors leading to a deadly mid-air collision between two helicopters in northern Australia in 2023, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries.
Key Takeaways
- A faulty radio system played a crucial role in the collision.
- The ATSB conducted a two-year investigation.
- Four fatalities and nine injuries occurred in the crash.
- Changes made by the operator compromised safety controls.
- Unintended consequences can arise from operational changes.
Sydney, April 9 (NationPress) A malfunctioning radio system was among several issues that played a role in a tragic mid-air collision involving two helicopters in northern Australia in 2023, as detailed in an official investigation released on Wednesday.
On January 2, 2023, four individuals lost their lives and nine others sustained injuries when two scenic flight helicopters collided in mid-air over Australia's Gold Coast in the state of Queensland.
After a thorough two-year investigation, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) published its comprehensive 200-page report on the incident, which underscored various safety concerns that contributed to the crash.
The accident occurred as one helicopter, piloted by Ash Jenkinson, was taking off, while the other, piloted by Michael James, was approaching to land. Both helicopters were Eurocopter EC130s operated by the Sea World theme park located on the Gold Coast.
The ATSB discovered that the radio system in Jenkinson's helicopter, which resulted in the deaths of him and three passengers, had defects that reduced transmission range and compromised transmission reliability.
Investigators from ATSB concluded that it was probable that Jenkinson attempted to make a taxiing call to inform James of his departure, but this communication was not received due to the radio issues.
“Without the taxiing call being received, the pilot of the approaching helicopter, likely concentrating on their landing site, had no reason to re-evaluate the departing helicopter as a potential collision risk,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stated.
The ATSB identified that the failed radio communications, limited visibility from both helicopters, and the pilots' “competing priorities” contributed to the collision.
Additionally, the report noted that the operator had implemented changes to enhance the tourism experience in the months leading up to the crash, including commissioning a second helipad and introducing the EC130 helicopters, which ultimately compromised risk controls over time, according to Xinhua news agency.
“The most fundamental lesson from this investigation is that modifying aviation operations, even those perceived to enhance safety, can yield unintended consequences,” Mitchell added.
Both James and his five passengers, along with three passengers aboard Jenkinson's helicopter, were injured in the incident.
