VH-PRW – Crash of a Bell Helicopter 206L-4 near Adaminaby, New South Wales: 2 killed

Date & Time:

Apr 03, 2022

Type of aircraft:

Bell Helicopter 206L-4 LongRanger

Registration:

VH-PRW

Survivors:

No

Schedule:

Mangalore, Victoria

Location:

33 km from Adaminaby, NSW

Total fatalities:

2

Total Occupants:

2

Circumstances:

A pilot and passenger boarded a Bell Helicopter 206L-4, registered VH-PRW, for a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from a private property in Majura, Australian Capital Territory to Mangalore, Victoria, with a planned refuelling stop in Tumut, New South Wales, on April 3, 2022. (NSW). The helicopter was one of seven on a morning flying tour, and the weather forecast predicted low cloud, rain, and restricted visibility.

Due to weather, two of the 7 helicopters diverted to Wagga Wagga, NSW, while four landed at Wee Jasper, NSW. VH-pilot PRW’s continued until severe weather forced them to land in Brindabella before noon. In low cloud and light rain, the helicopter took off again at 1453 local time. The aircraft began a quick rise at 1525, then entered a steep left descending curve until it hit terrain at 4,501 feet. Next day, the accident location was found. Both helicopter occupants died.