Families blame copter in deaths

Agency finds rotor hit cabin; maker says pilot at fault

The families of two men killed in a Queenstown helicopter crash blame the aircraft for their deaths, but the manufacturer says pilot error was the cause.

Flight student James Patterson Gardner, 18, and instructor Steven Combe, 42, died after their Robinson R44 helicopter crashed during a training flight near Queenstown in February last year.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) yesterday issued a report into the crash, saying the helicopter broke up when its propeller hit its cabin, in what is called “mast bumping”, although they could not find the exact cause.

Mast bumping is often caused by turbulence, low ro- tor speed or abrupt movements. TAIC said it found no signs of mechanical issues.

But TAIC expressed concerns about the “many other fatal mast bump accidents involving Robinson helicopters in New Zealand and around the world that have gone largely unexplained”.

“This is a serious safety issue that the industry, including pilots, operators, the manufacturer and the regulator, will need to address,” it said.

It was unclear whether Gardner or Combe had been at the controls.

The men’s families said they believed the report raised issues about the design of the Robinson R44.

“We firmly believe that had Steve and James been in any other aircraft type the accident would not have occurred,” they said.

“We seriously question whether the Robinson design and package is fit for purpose in New Zealand.”

Over The Top Limited, the helicopter’s operator, said it had “no intention to use Robinson aircraft again for any future operation”.

The California-based Robinson Helicopter Company says it is reviewing the TAIC report.

“However, from the facts of the investigation, Robinson believes this tragic accident was a preventable pilot error accident involving low-G mast bumping.”

Last year, the Civil Aviation Authority recommended more training for Robinson pilots following a TAIC recommendation.