Pilot inexperience key factor in helicopter tragedy

PAULA HULBURT

Pilot inexperience was a key factor in the death of two people in a helicopter crash near Kekerengu.

It was meant to be a fun day out, a family lunch trip, but instead it was a day that ended in tragedy. Helicopter pilot Andrew Davidson, 60, and his wife Lin Chen were killed in the crash on 15 December 2020 which injured both their children and another passenger.

The report released on Thursday by the Traffic Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) shows slower air speed also contributed.

“The investigation determined that the pilot did not pick up on the visual indications about the performance of the helicopter, resulting in it slowing at a critical phase of the flight,” the report states.

“The pilot’s inexperience was a key factor.”

The couple had not landed at The Store in Kekerengu before and the report revealed the helicopter slowed down as it approached the beach.

“The rate of yaw increased, and the pilot was unable to regain control before the helicopter crashed onto the beach.

“The impact forces were determined to be non-survivable. However, the three children did survive, albeit with serious or moderate injuries, very likely because of their smaller physical size and mass.

The Commission made no new recommendations but said other pilots, instructors and examiners could benefit from the findings.

“A pilot qualification, licence or aircraft-type rating does not in itself confer expertise.

“Pilots need to be familiar with the aircraft they are flying and their own capability as they gain experience.

“Pilots also need to ensure they are fully aware of the increased risks of flying at low level and monitor the performance of their aircraft accordingly”