Two escape Armidale helicopter crash with minor injuries
Two escape Armidale helicopter crash with minor injuries
13 September 2013
published by www.news.com.au
Australia — A PILOT with “ample” experience and his trainee student have survived a helicopter crash northwest of Armidale with only minor injuries.
The helicopter crashed on a Dumareq Dam Rd property, 12kms northwest of Armidale, at 4pm on Friday and NSW Ambulance said the two were taken to Armidale Hospital with minor injuries in a stable condition.
The Rural Fire Service said it had three crews on scene and there had been on fire but they were monitoring leaking fuel.
The helicopter belongs to Fleet Helicopters, located at Armidale Airport, and CEO Mike Watson said he couldn’t comment on the possible cause because it was being investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
But he did say the pilot in command “did an amazing job” trying to land the Robinson R22 helicopter in the “training area” which resulted in a “heavy landing”.
First reports suggested the trainee may have pulled a mixture lever which could have resulted in the engine shutting down.
“It is not appropriate for us to comment or speculate on what might have happened pending the outcome of an investigation,” Mr Watson said.
Fleet Helicopters says on its website it had “20 years’ experience in providing high quality helicopter solutions to a diverse range of industries”.
“Our operations range from fighting bush fires, stringing power-lines, mustering cattle or aerial crane work in the remote outback to helicopter training and our award winning scenic flights.
No matter how large or small, how close to home or remote the job is – using our experience, commitment to safety and constant strive for improvement we will tailor a solution to fit your exact needs.”
The helicopter crashed on Dumareq Dam Rd property at 4pm on Friday and NSW Ambulance said two people, one of which was a male, were taken to Armidale Hospital with minor injuries in a stable condition.
The Rural Fire Service said it had three crews on scene, 12kms from Armidale’s city centre, and there had been no fire but they were monitoring leaking fuel.
The helicopter belongs to Fleet Helicopters located at Armidale Airport and Fleet’s Susan White said both occupants were okay but it was unclear what caused the crash.
“It was one of ours,” was all she would say.
Fleet Helicopters said on its website it had “20 years’ experience in providing high quality helicopter solutions to a diverse range of industries”:
“Our operations range from fighting bush fires, stringing powerlines, mustering cattle or aerial crane work in the remote outback to helicopter training and our award winning scenic flights. No matter how large or small, how close to home or remote the job is – using our experience, commitment to safety and constant strive for improvement we will tailor a solution to fit your exact needs.”
