A new advisory notice has revealed a fault in the helicopter for the death of Cloncurry pilot Brent Acton.
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On August 2, 2017 Cloncurry Mustering Company pilot Brent Acton left Cloncurry Airport and headed seven kilometres north west before fatally crashing into ground on Lanark Station.
A new safety advice notice issued by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau on Thursday, March 28 has revealed a fault in flight controls in Robinson R22 helicopters that caused the fatal crash.
The initial notice provided to the ATSB indicated the helicopter had contacted powerlines adjacent to the accident site. However an analysis of the available evidence including photography of powerlines, did not indicate any contact between the helicopter and powerlines.
The new ATSB safety notice said there was "an anomaly with the helicopter's bellcrank in the cyclic control system".
The notice said the fastener, which attached the horizontal push-pull tube to the bellcrank, was missing.
"The bellcrank's remaining fasteners were all attached. The bellcrank and missing fastener bolt were recovered, but the reason for the separation of the nut from the bolt has not yet been determined," the notice said.
The ATSB notice said maintenance personnel whenever the disassembly and reassembly of a critical fastener is performed, the D210-series corrosion-resistant nuts must be for reassembly of critical fasteners.
This requirement is necessary after cracking from hydrogen embrittlement of the type of nuts fitted to Robinson helicopters was previously identified on other aircrafts, the notice said.
Brent Acton's wife Shona said she was relieved with the ATBS findings.
"From our tragedy, my ultimate outcome of Brent's ongoing investigation conducted by our ATSB commission was to ensure that if there was any safety issues or risks brought to light from his accident, that they were identified and rectification made to ensure the safety of all pilots so they can all confidently come home at the end of the day to their loved ones," Mrs Acton said.
"This Safety Advisory Notice I think has done just that and is positively promoting safety and awareness amongst the industry."
The ATSB advises that this finding of increased risk applies to all approved maintenance organisations for Robinson helicopters and at present has not been identified as a contributing factor to this accident.
More information on the Safety Advisory Notice of Robinson R22 helicopters can be found here: www.atsb.gov.au/publications/safety-advisory-notice/ao-2017-078-san-001/
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
