What happened
On Thursday, July 25, 2024, two Robinson R22 Beta helicopters collided in mid-air near Mount Anderson Station at Camballin in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The accident occurred during a cattle-mustering operation at approximately 06:20 am local time and resulted in the deaths of both pilots.
The collision took place as part of a four-helicopter mustering operation conducted at dawn. One of the aircraft involved was a Robinson R22 Beta registered VH-HYQ, manufactured in 2005 and operated by Pearl Coast Helicopters Pty Ltd. Both helicopters were destroyed in the impact, with one pilot aged 29 and the other aged 30.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was notified and dispatched a team to the accident site to conduct a comprehensive investigation. The ATSB examination will include witness accounts, pilot records, aircraft maintenance logs, and weather conditions at the time of the collision. A preliminary report is expected to be released in the coming months, with a final report to follow upon completion of the investigation.