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Date:
Friday, October 3, 2025
Time:
circa 13:30 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
Robinson R22 Beta
Owner/Operator:
Bankstown Helicopters Pty Ltd
Registration:
VH-RDL
MSN:
1498
Year of Manufacture:
1990
Engine Model:
Not specified
Fatalities:
1 / Occupants: 2
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Destroyed
Category:
Accident
Location:
Bankstown Airport (BWU/YSBK), Bankstown, NSW – Australia
Phase:
Approach
Nature:
Training
Departure Airport:
Bankstown Airport, NSW (BWU/YSBK)
Destination Airport:
Bankstown Airport, NSW (BWU/YSBK)
Investigating Agency:
ATSB
Confidence Rating:
Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities
Circumstances:
On October 3, 2025, a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter registered VH-RDL, operated by Bankstown Helicopters Pty Ltd, crashed while approaching Bankstown Airport, NSW, during a training flight.
At approximately 13:30 local time, the helicopter was performing low-level training exercises when it rapidly descended and impacted the ground near Birch Street, adjacent to the airport boundary. Dashcam and CCTV footage showed the helicopter losing altitude and clipping trees before crashing into a parked car.
The 50-year-old instructor was treated by emergency responders but was pronounced deceased at the scene. The 19-year-old student pilot was rescued from the wreckage by nearby workers and received serious injuries before being transported to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition.
NSW Police established a crime scene, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) deployed a team of investigators to determine the cause of the crash. Early reports confirmed the helicopter was destroyed by impact forces but did not catch fire.
Witnesses described hearing a loud impact followed by debris scattering near the airport’s perimeter. Bankstown Flying School representatives confirmed that the instructor and student were performing a routine training sortie.
A report for the coroner is being prepared.
Sources:
9NEWS, 7NEWS, NSW Police, ATSB
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.