A firefighting helicopter suffered significant damage during a “serious incident” while battling bushfires on Tasmania’s West Coast, air safety investigators have confirmed.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating after the Bell 412EP helicopter, which bears New South Wales Rural Fire Service livery, experienced a “control issue” on March 10.
The aircraft was among more than a dozen called in to fight bushfires that tore through 100,000 hectares of remote wilderness.
According to the ATSB, the incident happened 57 kilometres northeast of Strahan Aerodrome while the helicopter was collecting water with a sling-loaded bucket.
“While hovering to load the bucket from a river, the helicopter unexpectedly sank about 50ft,” the ATSB said.
“In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated forward flight but was unable to jettison the load before the longline became taut, causing a sudden stop and an abrupt tail-down motion.”
The impact caused the external hook and longline to strike the helicopter’s lower fuselage, forcing the pilot to return to the operational base at Zeehan.
Inspections revealed damage to the fuselage, engine control tubes and tail rotor control rod. The water bucket and longline were also damaged.
The ATSB has launched its evidence collection phase, which will involve interviewing those involved, analysing recorded data and gathering additional information.
“A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation,” the ATSB said.
Photos seen by Pulse show the Coulson Aviation helicopter, registered as VH-VJF, is now being transported back to the mainland on a truck trailer.
In a statement, a New South Wales Rural Fire Service spokesperson told Pulse the helicopter will be driven back to Sydney and repaired.
“The safety of pilots and aircrew operating RFS aircraft will always be paramount,” they said.
“As required, the incident was reported to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and remains under investigation.”
