Chopper overloaded in fatal crash: report
A helicopter that crashed taking skiers to a mountaintop in Mount Aspiring National Park, killing one passenger, was overloaded by 30kg.
The results of the investigation of the AS350 Eurocopter that came down on August 16, three years ago, show the pilot began to descend below the intended angle of approach.
He had five skiers and a guide on board and when he turned away from Mt Alta, he struck the steep, snowy slope and rolled 300m down the mountain.
The cabin broke apart and five of the seven inside were thrown out as it rolled.
Fifty-two-year-old Jerome Box was trapped under the helicopter and died. Everyone else suffered moderate to serious injuries.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission findings, released yesterday, said the helicopter was 30kg over the maximum permissible weight and the centre of gravity was about 3cm ahead of the forward limit.
“The commission found no mechanical reason for the accident,” says chief commissioner Jane Meares.
“The engine was delivering high power and the helicopter was controllable. The pilot was experienced and had received training in mountain flying and heliski operations.”
The TAIC report found it was very likely that several of the passengers’ seat belts were not securely adjusted, “which made it more likely that they would be ejected”.
The report said the injuries might have been reduced had the seatbelts been fitted tightly around their waists.
It also concluded “some New Zealand helicopter pilots may have a culture of operating their aircraft beyond the manufacturers’ published and placarded limits”.
The TAIC recommended more emphasis be placed on fastening seatbelts, that pilots’ safety management systems addressed the risk of flying around mountains, and passengers’ weights were checked more thoroughly.