AN INEXPERIENCED student pilot failed to identify that their helicopter engine had lost power before crashing into the roof of a Mentone home last year, an investigation has found.
Just after 1pm on 30 November, a helicopter smashed through the roof of a home on Tylden Court. The pilot survived the crash but was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Two homes sustained damage in the crash. The helicopter was also substantially damaged.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has investigated the crash and released its findings last week. ATSB director transport safety Stuart Macleod said that the pilot did not realise that their engine was not functioning.
“As the helicopter climbed to about 650 feet above ground level, the engine lost power,” Macleod said. “While the pilot identified a reduction in performance at this time, they did not immediately recognise the engine had lost power.
“When the pilot recognised a forced landing was required, they then did not identify a nearby football oval as the closest suitable area, possibly due to it being obscured by the airframe or instrument pane. Instead, they identified a school ground, and attempted a landing there, but collided with rooftops short of this intended location as the helicopter had insufficient height.”
Despite the crash, the ATSB said that the pilot had “maintained control enough to maximise survivability”.
The pilot was flying a Hughes 269C three-seat light helicopter. They were returning to Moorabbin Airport from their second solo navigation training flight when they encountered problems.
Macleod said that pilots must prepare for all situations before flying by making themselves aware of suitable forced landing areas. “The accident highlights the challenges pilots face when confronted with a loss of engine power at low level, and with few suitable landing areas available. Pilots can best mitigate the effects of a power loss by forward planning, which reduces your mental workload under stress,” he said.