A student and instructor performed a series of unbriefed torque turns before an R22 crashed on Pannikin Island in QLD, according to an ATSB report released this week.
R22 VH-8BW was on a CPL training flight out of Archerfield conducting advanced emergency training over Pannikin Island, when the student requested to practice torque turns, which were not briefed for the lesson and are not part of the CPL(H) training syllabus.
The instructor demonstrated the manoevure before the student performed four turns at a height of 50 feet AGL. On the final turn at a height of 100-150 feet AGL, the instructor noticed the nose was pitched down at a height of only 20 feet, and a gust of wind increased the rate of descent. Despite taking the controls, the instructor couldn't stop the helicopter from colliding with the ground.
After sliding along its skids for 40-50 metres, the aircraft dynamically rolled over and was destroyed. Both on board were able to escape, but the instructor was found to have serious injuries.
ATSB investigators found that torque turns were outside the lesson plan and training syllabus, and that the instructor conducted the exercise at an inappropriate altitude, which did not allow for a margin of error.
“Torque turns are not in the syllabus and are not a requirement for the commercial helicopter pilot licence, and were not discussed in the pre-flight brief,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Dr Stuart Godley said.
“Further, torque turns are generally not even used in aerial application and dispensing operations in rotorcraft in favour of accurately flown and coordinated ‘procedure (P) turns’.
"This accident highlights the importance of instructors not going outside the approved and pre‑planned syllabus, relying on conservative in-flight decision‑making to manage risk, and to anticipate and be ready to intervene quickly, especially during low-level or elevated risk manoeuvres.”
Investigators also found the flight training organisation had no formal process for monitoring the return of training flights, which they said could delay any SAR response.
The full investigation report is on the ATSB website.