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Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Narrative: A Robinson R44 helicopter, registered ZK-HTB, was en route from Wanaka to Upper Estuary Burn Valley when it suddenly departed controlled fight and crashed into Lake Wanaka, killing the pilot who was the sole occupant.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (Commission) found that the helicopter was likely to have encountered unexpected turbulence of a magnitude sufficient to result ultimately in the in-flight break-up of the helicopter.
The Commission also found that the helicopter’s speed at the last position report likely increased the risk of an adverse outcome in the mountainous operating environment. The Commission further found that investigations into loss-of-control or mast bumping accidents involving Robinson Helicopter Company helicopters continue to be hampered by a lack of data. Allied with this is a lack of understanding of how the main rotor performs in adverse conditions. This lack of factual information has limited the effectiveness of safety investigations.
TAIC has opened an inquiry into a helicopter crash at Lake Wanaka in Otago today, Saturday 21 July 2018, involving a Robinson R44 helicopter. Two investigators are due to arrive at the accident site tomorrow. https://t.co/yZs4lWizOm