Robinson R-44

Summary

On 29 December 2007 at about 19:08 local time, a Robinson R-44, operated by Helicopter Flight Centre, was involved in an accident near Westgate Bridge, Australia. 2 people were on board and one died, one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. No probable cause statement is available for this record.

Date

29 December 2007 at 19:08

Classification

Accident

Location

Westgate Bridge, Australia

Coordinates

-37.8297, 144.8964

Aircraft

Robinson R-44

Registration

Not recorded

Category

Helicopter

Operator

Helicopter Flight Centre

Operating rule

Non-U.S., Non-Commercial

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Westgate Bridge → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

NTSB number

LAX08WA045

1 person died.

The NTSB has not published a probable cause for this record. No probable cause statement is present in the source data.

Nothing about the cause is stated here that is not in the source record.

Read the full NTSB narrative

On December 29, 2007, at 1908 local time, a Robinson R-44, Australian registry VH-MEB, impacted the Yarra River shortly after takeoff near Westgate Bridge, Victoria, Australia. The helicopter was operated by Helicopter Flight Center. The instructor pilot was fatally injured and the pilot under instruction was seriously injured; the helicopter was destroyed. The Australian Transportation Safety Bureau reported that the helicopter took off with a reported 20-25 knot quartering tail wind; at 50 feet agl the helicopter was observed attempting to turn back to the helipad, at which point it descended and impacted the water on its left side. This accident is under the jurisdiction of, and is being investigated by, the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau. Further information can be obtained by contacting them at: 15 Mort St, Braddon, ACT 2612, Australia PO Box 967, Civic Square ACT 2806, Australia Phone: +61 2 6230 4408 Web Site www.atsb.gov.au

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.