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December 29, 2007 · Robinson R-44 · VH-MEB

Westgate Bridge, AS

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 29, 2007
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Location
Westgate Bridge, AS
Aircraft
Robinson R-44
Tail Number
VH-MEB
Operator
Helicopter Flight Centre
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX08WA045

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

Full 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

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:08 SST
Nearest Airport0nm

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson R-44
Tail NumberVH-MEB
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHelicopter Flight Centre

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 fatality, 1 serious injury)
Fatal1
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data