Department of Conservation suspends the use of all Robinson helicopters

Wednesday, 2 November 2016

A Robinson R-44. There are three models in New Zealand, the R44, the smaller R22, and the larger R66. All models use the same rotor system.

The Department of Conservation is suspending its use of Robinson helicopters, widely used to ferry staff, volunteers, and contractors.

Last week, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission updated its watchlist to include the Robinson machines - used in around 40 per cent of the country's helicopter fleet.

The wreckage of a Robinson R66 helicopter, which crashed near Turangi on March 9, 2013, killing the pilot.

Two forestry workers, Allan Jessop, 42, of Tangiteroria, and Derek Hammond, 49, of Kauri, were killed in Northland when their R44 crashed on Monday.

The department said the decision followed the deaths in Northland and the commission's decision to add the fleet of helicopters to its list of concerns about transport in New Zealand.

**READ MORE:

* Is there a problem with Robinsons?

* Two dead in helicopter crash south of Hikurangi, near Whangarei

* Owner's son killed in Queenstown helicopter crash

* Railway crossings and Robinson helicopters added to watchlist

* Investigation finds no clear reason for helicopter crash**

Department director of health and safety Harry Maher said the decision was made to protect staff, volunteers, and contractors.

Helicopters are widely used by the department.

'The safety of our people is paramount so in light of the recent accident we are suspending the use of these helicopters for operations where DOC staff, volunteers and contractors are passengers.'

Maher said the department was talking to the Civil Aviation Authority during their investigation of the Northland incident and its position would be reviewed pending further information.

In several Robinson incidents, helicopters have crashed due to 'mast bumping' - where the main rotor hits the top of the machine where the drive shaft is found, usually during turbulence, sudden movements or low gravity manoeuvres.

However, the causes of helicopter crashes are often difficult to pinpoint or inconclusive.

Since 1996, mast bump incidents have been cited in New Zealand 14 times, claiming the lives of 18 people.

Last year, R44 helicopters were grounded amid fears a rotor blade might have been to blame for crashes, including one in which two men died.

'Both New Zealand then Australia temporarily grounded the aircraft,' Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Mike Richards said.

'Once tests came back it was found the two accidents that were being 'linked' were in fact unrelated in terms of causation and the ban was lifted.'

He said he was not aware of any other organisations considering an outright ban on the helicopters.

'We reinforce our confidence in our Section 21 notice issued last November and remind the public and pilots that Robinson aircraft are safe when flown within the manufacturer's recommended limits.'