Introduction
On the early afternoon of 27 December 2022, two helicopters operated from the southern apron of Queenstown Aerodrome. An Airbus Helicopters EC130B4, registration ZK-IUP, operated by Over the Top Helicopters, was cleared to depart first. A second helicopter, an Airbus Helicopters AS350B2, registration ZK-IDB, operated by The Helicopter Line, was cleared to depart second.
Narrative
At 1316, the pilot of ZK-IUP contacted Queenstown Delivery for departure clearance to the north. The pilot was the sole occupant. Delivery advised of a significant delay due to inbound traffic. At 1323, the pilot of ZK-IDB, with five passengers on board, also contacted Delivery for departure to the north. At 1325:40, ZK-IUP contacted Queenstown Tower as instructed, followed by ZK-IDB at 1326:19, who advised they were ready in turn and waiting on an inbound helicopter. At approximately 1327, both helicopters began takeoff. The pilot of ZK-IDB radioed that they had ZK-IUP in sight and took the number one position. ZK-IUP acknowledged. At 1327:31, the helicopters were at their closest point, with ZK-IDB passing above and to the left of ZK-IUP. Separation laterally was 44 m. The flights continued uneventfully. Six days later, an occurrence report was submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Meteorological Information
The weather was fine and calm with good visibility.
Aerodrome Information
Queenstown Aerodrome is a certificated aerodrome located four nautical miles east of Queenstown, within the Queenstown Control Zone (Class C airspace). Air traffic services are separated into tower and delivery frequencies. Aerodrome control services were not provided for the southern apron area. Air taxiing was restricted to 100 ft AGL or below, not exceeding 60 kt IAS.
Recorded Data
ZK-IUP was equipped with ADS-B in and out and an onboard video recorder. ZK-IDB had ADS-B out only. Airways provided ADS-B surveillance data and ATC audio recordings. CCTV footage from Queenstown Airport Corporation and video/flight data from ZK-IUP’s recorder were obtained.
Analysis
The pilot of ZK-IDB could not see ZK-IUP before takeoff due to the helicopter’s orientation and a hangar between the helipads. The pilot assumed ZK-IUP had already departed. The reported evasive manoeuvre was found to be a standard turn. CCTV and ADS-B data confirmed no excessive manoeuvre. The Commission found neither pilot took evasive action, nor was it required.
The southern apron layout, requiring all helicopter movements via the intersection of taxiways Bravo and Yankee, creates a bottleneck. Congestion and visibility issues had been identified by the Queenstown Milford User Group and Queenstown Airport Corporation, and actions were being taken. The Commission identified one systemic safety issue but made no recommendation due to safety action already taken.