Wire strike — Bell 206B JetRanger, Northern Territory

Summary

A Bell 206B JetRanger operating a scenic flight struck an unmarked low-tension powerline while flying at low altitude through a gorge section. The main rotor blade struck the wire, causing a rotor strike. The pilot executed an emergency landing on a river sandbar. All three occupants evacuated uninjured. The aircraft was substantially damaged.

Investigation Findings (5)

1. 01The powerline was not marked with aviation warning markers as required by AusGrid standards.
2. 02The pilot was operating below the minimum safe altitude for the area.
3. 03Weather conditions — nil wind and clear sky — contributed to glare obscuring the wire.
4. 04NT Power and Water Corporation subsequently installed aviation markers on the crossing.
5. 05CASA issued a safety advisory to operators conducting gorge flying operations.