Incident
On 7 December 2023, an Agusta A109E helicopter was conducting a marine pilot transfer operation. While landing on the ship Tai Keystone, the aircraft struck a handrail, resulting in substantial damage to the tail rotor and minor damage to the vessel.
Investigation Findings
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found that the handrail had not been removed during preparation of the helicopter landing site. The ship’s crew was using an older version of a checklist that did not require removal of such obstructions. The latest version of the International Chamber of Shipping Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations included this item, but it was not used. Additionally, the handrail was painted in a colour that did not contrast with the ship deck, contrary to guidance in the same guide. During landing, the helicopter was not positioned correctly on the landing site, placing the tail rotor outside the obstacle free zone and resulting in the strike. The ATSB also noted that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Advisory Circular 139 lacked guidance on marking objects on heliports except wind direction indicators. Furthermore, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Marine Order 57 referenced an outdated version of the International Chamber of Shipping guide.
The marine pilot detected the handrails and instructed a crew member to remove them before the helicopter arrived. The helicopter pilot reported that only one set of handrails was present when landing; it is possible that one set was not removed or that two sets were installed and only one removed. Communication between the helicopter and vessel did not include obstacle information. The helicopter pilot performed a reconnaissance at 300 ft but likely had difficulty detecting the handrails due to their size, shape, and colour. The pilot also avoided red hatch covers inside the landing site by positioning the helicopter over the white 'H' instead of the yellow touchdown circle, which placed the tail rotor slightly outside the obstacle free sector.
Actions Taken
Taiwan Navigation Co. Ltd updated their helicopter/ship operation safety checklist to include items such as ensuring the deck party is aware of the landing, the operating area is free of obstructions, side rails and stanchions are lowered or removed, and personnel are warned to keep clear. The ship operator will be notified of updates to the International Chamber of Shipping guide. Jayrow Helicopters amended procedures to provide pilots with visual representations of vessel landing sites before departure and developed a new pilot checklist to ensure no obstacles exist. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority will correct the reference to the outdated guide in a planned review of Marine Order 57.
Safety Messages
The ATSB emphasized that the pilot in command is responsible for ensuring a safe landing area. Pilots should gather information about the landing site before departure and inspect it before approach. Photographs and obstacle maps can help identify threats. Objects that are retractable or removable should be painted in contrasting colours, and reflective tape or lighting can increase visibility. Vessel operators should align procedures and landing areas with relevant guidance material.