‘Hard landings’ in chopper inquiry
INVESTIGATIONS are underway after a Cairns-based helicopter tour company recorded two near-crashes in the space of a few weeks.
A spokesman for GBR Helicopters said the company was working with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to determine the cause of both “hard landings”.
The first incident involved a R44 helicopter being forced to make a rough landing at Port Douglas on September 9.
“No one was injured,” the spokesman said.
The second was a more serious affair due to the force of the landing and the terrain in remote Cape York.
A GBR Helicopters Jet Ranger aircraft was in the air north of Cooktown when the incident occurred on Saturday.
The chopper was flying near Lotusbird Lodge, a pristine slice of country favoured by birdwatchers on the edge of Lakefield National Park.
“No one required hospitalisation,” the spokesman said.
A lodge staff member present at the time said the chopper just “fell out of the sky” and the pilot did an excellent job bringing it to the ground without major injury.
He said a tour bus driver who had a history of spinal problems complained about hurting his back in the landing and a woman suffered a broken finger.
It is understood the helicopter, worth upwards of $500,000, endured serious damage and is likely to be a write-off.
The company spokesman said the damage and cause were still being assessed and everybody walked away from the incident.
“GBR Helicopters officials have spoken with both pilots and are also investigating the circumstances of the separate incidents,” he said.
“The company advised CASA in accordance with normal reporting requirements and will assist where required with any future investigation.”
GBR Helicopters was bought by adventure tourism and leisure company Experience Co last year. CASA has been asked for comment.