The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), citing its ongoing investigation of the fatal July 4, 2020, in-flight breakup of a Robinson R44, is asking the industry for information on ground handling incidents involving damage to tail cone parts on other Robinson helicopters.
In a statement accompanying a mid-August update of its investigation into last year’s accident in Bilingurr, Western Australia, which killed the pilot and one passenger and seriously injured the other two passengers, ATSB Director Transport Safety Mike Walker said the “disruptive nature” of the accident may mean that investigators will not be able to identify a specific point of failure, despite an extensive metallurgical examination.
“To help us better understand the nature of this accident, we are seeking Robinson R22, R44 and R66 helicopter pilots, operators and maintenance engineers who may have knowledg…
