A fatal helicopter crash in the Northern Territory last year likely occurred after dark, despite neither the pilot nor the aircraft being certified for flying at night, according to a new report.
Authorities had previously said the crash, which killed the 47-year-old pilot, occurred on the afternoon of November 15 last year in East Arnhem Land.
But a preliminary report on the crash from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), released today, has established the crash likely occurred on November 14 after 7.20pm.
According to the report, the pilot of the helicopter held a commercial pilot licence and a valid "class 1 aviation Medical Certificate".
However, he did not hold a "night visual flight rules rating", despite having more than 6,000 hours of aviation experience in his logbook.
The helicopter, according to the report, was also "not equipped for night flight" under the visual flight rules.
Sunset in Ramingining on that day was at 7.05pm, with last light at 7.27pm, according to the ATSB.
Helicopter flight tracking dropped out
The Robinson R22 helicopter was being used in a mustering operation near the Arafura Swamp, South of Ramingining, at the time of the crash.
According to the ATSB, the helicopter was supposed to convene with other members of the muster at a camp at the end of the work day.
Flight tracking showed the helicopter had been the first to land at the camp shortly before 7pm, before its engine was started again at 7.20pm.
The helicopter's flight tracking ended about one minute later, while it was still at the mustering camp.
Other members of the mustering operation arrived at the camp to find the helicopter gone, before becoming "increasingly concerned" and starting a land search for the vehicle about 9pm.
The wreckage of the helicopter and the body of the deceased pilot were found the following day about 6 kilometres from the camp.
The ATSB has yet to publish its findings in a final report, which will contain examination of:
- pilot records and medical information
- aircraft maintenance and flight records
- aircraft wreckage
- witness information
- meteorological data
- recorded aircraft tracking data
Director Transport Safety Dr Michael Walker said relevant parties would be notified if any "critical safety issues" were identified during the course of the investigation.
