What happened
During a low-level aerial mustering operation, a Robinson R44 helicopter struck an unmarked powerline at an altitude of approximately 5.6 metres. The pilot was engaged in the task of scanning for separated cattle within a property owned by their family business. The impact resulted in one fatality.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no evidence of birdstrikes, in-flight fires, or mechanical defects prior to the impact. The damage sustained by both the aircraft and the electrical wire was consistent with a wirestrike at low altitude. While the pilot was familiar with the property and aware that powerlines crossed the area, the investigation could not definitively establish the pilot's specific level of awareness regarding the wire's exact location during this particular flight.
Several environmental and operational factors were identified. The powerline was unmarked and partially hidden by large trees situated to the left of the flight path. Additionally, the undulating terrain of the area reduced the availability of critical visual cues. The pilot's focus on locating cattle also acted as a potential distraction. It is believed that these factors led to a loss of situational awareness, meaning the wire was either not seen or not identified in time to avoid the collision.
Regarding survivability, the pilot was using a three-point harness. While the investigation noted that a helmet likely would not have prevented the fatal injuries in this instance, the use of a five-point harness and helmets are noted as potential methods to improve survivability in high-risk, low-level operations.
Findings
- The pilot likely lost awareness of the unmarked powerline while performing mustering duties.
- The presence of large trees and uneven terrain obscured the wire and removed vital visual references.
- The pilot's attention was likely diverted by the task of searching for cattle.
- Wirestrike protection systems (WSPS) are not currently an available technology for smaller helicopters like the Robinson R44.