Chile
Eurocopter AS 315 Lama

Information updated April 14, 2012

Summary

While conducting a towed mag survey the helicopter was caught in a sudden down draft or gust of wind which caused the pilot to lose control. The aircraft impacted heavy onto the ground fatally injuring the on board Equipment Operator and causing serious injuries to the Pilot.

USA
Eurocopter AS350 N165EH

Information updated April 14, 2012

Summary

During demobilization flight from Nome to Iliamna Alaska the helicopter collided with terrain killing the sole occupant, the Pilot. When the helicopter failed to arrive in Iliamna, company personnel initiated a telephone and satellite phone search to see if the helicopter had diverted to another village. Unable to locate the helicopter, company management personnel contacted the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Anchorage, to report the missing helicopter. The following morning, the crew of a company helicopter discovered the fragmented wreckage about 6 miles southwest of Iliamna, in an area of marshy, tundra-covered terrain. The helicopter was not equipped with a satellite tracking system at the time of the accident.

This accident remains under investigation by the NTSB.

Australia
Cessna 210 – Wirestrike

Information updated April 14, 2012

Summary

While on survey the aircraft struck a power line strung across a valley to a hill top. The pilot diverted to Cootamundra aerodrome and reported that the aircraft did not have any control issues following the wirestrike. The wire sliced through the leading edge of the left wing and punctured the windscreen. The flap and aileron on the left wing were also damaged. The pilot was not injured.

Australia
Cessna 210 – Wirestrike

Information updated April 14, 2012

Summary

A Cessna Aircraft Company 201L aircraft, with two people on board was engaged in geophysical survey operations about 100 km south of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia (WA). Shortly after commencing a grid survey at low level, the aircraft collided with terrain in a shallow descent at around 140 to 150 kts in a wings level attitude. The pilot and survey equipment operator received serious injuries and the aircraft sustained serious damage.

Australia
Cessna 206

Information updated April 14, 2012

Summary

A C206 crashed while on survey. The Pilot received minor injuries and the aircraft was destroyed.

Australia
Cessna 210

Information updated April 14, 2012

Summary

While on survey the Pilot lost control of the aircraft and crashed. The investigation concluded that the Pilot most likely lost consciousness due to a pre-existing but unknown heart condition.

Australia
Eurocopter AS 350 B3 – Forced landing

Information updated April 14, 2012

Summary

While on survey there was a failure of the towed sensor attachment bridle causing the tow line to contact and entangle in the tail rotor. An emergency landing was executed and both the Pilot and on board Equipment Operator received serious injuries.

January 20, 2011

Australia
PAC Cresco

Information updated February 28, 2012

Summary

A PAC Cresco aircraft operated by Fugro Airborne Surveys was conducting low level survey operations in New South Wales Australia when it struck low-slung power lines. The Pilot performed an immediate forced landing into a hay field. The aircraft struck a large round hay bale just after touch down causing it to ground loop and further damage to the aircraft. The Pilot (sole occupant) was uninjured.

February 13, 2011

Papua New Guinea
Eurocopter AS350B2 P2-PHL

Information updated February 28, 2012

Summary

A Eurocopter AS350 B2 Helicopter owned by Pacific Helicopters – New Guinea and hired by GPX Surveys Pty Ltd, was lost in the deep waters of the Bismark Sea, 5 kms from Baluan Island, while enroute to Manus Island to begin survey work. The pilot was reported as missing with the aircraft.
The cause of the accident was undetermined with the aircraft not recovered and very little wreckage retrieved. The accident was under investigation by CASA PNG and no final report has been issued at this time.

May 27, 2011

Australia
Casa 212 C-FDKM

Information updated February 28, 2012

Summary

A Cessna 210 aircraft owned by Ozshore Aviation – Australia and hired by GPX Surveys Pty Ltd, landed at Albany Airport, Western Australia without the landing gear extended. There was extensive damage to the underside of the aircraft but no personnel injuries. An ATSB incident report was generated and the cause was deemed as pilot error.
No further investigation was required by CASA Australia.