ATSB report details causes of helicopter transfer mishap on bulk carrier

The tail rotor of an Agusta A109E helicopter struck a handrail while landing on a bulk carrier as the pilot did not detect the obstacle and the ship’s crew were using an older version of the vessel’s helicopter operations checklist, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said in relation to a vessel transfer incident that occurred off Queensland on December 6, 2023.

Timeline of incident

The ATSB report details that, on the said date, the helicopter was conducting marine pilot transfer operations to the bulk carrier Tai Keystone, which was about 240 kilometres north-east of Mackay, Queensland.

As the helicopter’s wheels touched down on the ship’s helicopter landing site, the tail rotor struck an upright handrail that was not identified by the pilot during approach.

The pilot reported hearing a shredding noise and an increase in the engine pitch before he completed the emergency shutdown procedure.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage and was secured to the deck of Tai Keystone, which then returned to Hay Point to allow the helicopter to be recovered.

Why it happened

The ATSB investigation found that the ship’s crew was using an older version of the vessel’s helicopter operations checklist, which did not require the removal of the handrail. Thus, the handrail was not removed during preparation of the landing site.

In addition, the handrail was not painted in a colour that contrasted with the ship’s deck, which was not in accordance with international guidance. The helicopter was also not positioned correctly during the landing, resulting in its tail rotor being outside the obstacle free zone.

“It is the responsibility of the pilot in command to ensure that a landing area is safe, but likewise, vessel operators should ensure their procedures and landing areas on ships are aligned with the relevant guidance material,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Stuart Macleod said.

“To best aid pilots, objects that present a threat to a landing helicopter that are retractable, collapsible or removable should be painted in an appropriate colour to ensure they are visible if forgotten or missed.”

Actions taken

Since the accident, the ship’s operator has updated the relevant checklist, and the helicopter operator has amended its procedures to ensure helicopter pilots are provided with a visual representation of each individual vessel’s helicopter landing site prior to departure.

“Where possible, helicopter pilots should attempt to gather as much information as possible about the helicopter landing site, prior to departure, in these types of operations,” Mr Macleod said.

The final report can be read here: Ground strike during a marine pilot transfer, involving Agusta A109, VH-RUA and ship Tai Keystone, about 240 km north-east of Mackay Airport, Queensland on 7 December 2023