Pilot comment The reported feeling substantial operational pressure to ensure no cattle were missed. They commented that this may have increased focus and attention on looking for cattle, and therefore momentarily lost awareness of the powerlines. Figure 1: Accident site showing damage to VH-LYW Source: Queensland Police Safety message Pilots and operators are reminded that they can ask the property and power company to have a wire marked if it presents a hazard to low-level operations, even if it is not required to be marked according to the Australian Standard due to its height and span. ATSB research indicates that in 63 per cent of reported wirestrike incidents, pilots were of the position of the wire before they struck it. In this instance, the pilot was aware of the powerline, however, the pilot’s attention was diverted to looking for cattle, and they did not maintain awareness of the wires. The Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia suggests a way to keep is to ask yourself: Where is the wire now? What do I do it? am I in the paddock? For further risk management strategies for agricultural operations, refer to the The ATSB publication , explains strategies to help minimise the risk of striking wires while flying. Pilots are reminded to avoid unnecessary distractions and to refocus when distracted. Distraction, combined with difficulty in seeing wires makes them extremely hard to avoid at the last minute. General details Occurrence details Date and time: 20 February 2016 0808 EST – Occurrence category: Accident Primary occurrence type: Wirestrike Location: 88 km NE Roma Aerodrome, Queensland Latitude: 26° 04.98' S Longitude: 149° 29.50' E Helicopter details Manufacturer and Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Beta Registration: VH-LYW Serial number: 4482 Type of operation: Aerial work Aerial mustering – Persons on board: Crew - 1 Passengers - 0 Injuries Crew - 1 Passengers - 0 Aircraft Damage Substantial
Pilot comment The reported feeling substantial operational pressure to ensure no cattle were missed. They commented that this may have increased focus and attention on looking for cattle, and therefore momentarily lost awareness of the powerlines. Figure 1: Accident site showing damage to VH-LYW Source: Queensland Police Safety message Pilots and operators are reminded that they can ask the property and power company to have a wire marked if it presents a hazard to low-level operations, even if it is not required to be marked according to the Australian Standard due to its height and span. ATSB research indicates that in 63 per cent of reported wirestrike incidents, pilots were of the position of the wire before they struck it. In this instance, the pilot was aware of the powerline, however, the pilot’s attention was diverted to looking for cattle, and they did not maintain awareness of the wires. The Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia suggests a way to keep is to ask yourself: Where is the wire now? What do I do it? am I in the paddock? For further risk management strategies for agricultural operations, refer to the The ATSB publication , explains strategies to help minimise the risk of striking wires while flying. Pilots are reminded to avoid unnecessary distractions and to refocus when distracted. Distraction, combined with difficulty in seeing wires makes them extremely hard to avoid at the last minute. General details Occurrence details Date and time: 20 February 2016 – 0808 EST Occurrence category: Accident Primary occurrence type: Wirestrike Location: 88 km NE Roma Aerodrome, Queensland Latitude: 26° 04.98' S Longitude: 149° 29.50' E Helicopter details Manufacturer and Robinson Helicopter Company R22 Beta Registration: VH-LYW Serial number: 4482 Type of operation: Aerial work – Aerial mustering Persons on board: Crew - 1 Passengers - 0 Injuries Crew - 1 Passengers - 0 Aircraft Damage Substantial
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