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5h ago

ATSB Opens Investigation Into Fatal Bankstown Helicopter Training Crash

Investigators say a problem likely began at higher altitude, with preliminary findings due in about eight weeks.

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Overview

  • A Robinson R22 on a training circuit crashed into a car park on Birch Street near Bankstown Airport about 1:30pm Friday, killing a 62-year-old instructor and injuring a 19-year-old student who remains in hospital in serious condition.
  • ATSB investigators arrived Saturday to examine the wreckage, map the site, and recover components for analysis at the bureau’s Canberra facilities.
  • The inquiry will review flight-tracking data, maintenance and pilot records, weather details, and radio transmissions to reconstruct the flight sequence.
  • ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said early indications suggest the helicopter suffered an issue at higher altitude before clipping wires or trees in the final phase.
  • Dashcam and eyewitness video captured the descent and impact with a parked car, and the ATSB is asking the public to submit any footage as the aircraft, owned by Bankstown Helicopters, is examined.