Accident Overview
On 1 November 2008, a Robinson Helicopter Company R22 helicopter (registration ZK-HXR) departed from Haast for Wanaka with the pilot only on board. The helicopter did not arrive at Wanaka aerodrome for an intended refuel. Search efforts began promptly, and items from the helicopter were soon found floating in Lake Wanaka, approximately 22 kilometres north-west of the aerodrome. Most of the fuselage of ZK-HXR, along with the deceased pilot, was retrieved from the lake bed four days after the accident. Some key components were not recovered.
Witnesses and Cellphone Activity
There were no witnesses to the accident. However, about six minutes before the estimated time of the accident, the pilot flew past a barge skippered by a friend. Telephone company records showed that in the following minutes the pilot received and sent cellphone text messages, including one sent close to the estimated accident time to the barge skipper.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that a mast bump had occurred prior to the helicopter impacting the water. The mast bump likely followed a low-G condition caused by turbulence, or perhaps some other undetermined event. Anecdotes suggested the pilot had a preference for flying fast, which would have exacerbated the helicopter's reaction to a low-G condition. If the pilot had been preoccupied with his cellphone, he would have had less time to take appropriate recovery action.
Previous Related Accidents
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (the Commission) has previously reported on accidents where cellphone use by a pilot or vessel skipper might have been a contributing factor and made safety recommendations to relevant regulatory authorities. No new safety recommendation has been made in this case.