NTSB Identification: ENG03RA008
On 12 February, 2003, at about 1330 local time, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44, registration VH-AIC, was destroyed following an attempted autorotation at the Mareeba Aerodrome, Australia. The helicopter was piloted by a commercial pilot. According to the pilot, he encountered severe vibrations in flight and attempted an autorotation to the aerodrome. During the subsequent autorotation, the helicopter struck power lines. The helicopter landed hard and was destroyed. Severe main rotor blade delamination was found during the post-crash investigation.
The accident is being investigated by the ATSB.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
P.O. Box 967, Civic Square
Canberra A.C.T. 2608
Australia
Tel.: (61) 2 6274-6464
(61) 2 6257-4150
E-mail: atsbinfo@atsb.gov.au
Fax: (61) 2 6274-6474
AFTN: ASCOYLYX
Website: http://www.atsb.gov.au
This report is for information purpouses only and contains only information obtained for, or released by, the Government of Australia.
