Key Points
While flying after last light in moderate to severe turbulence, the Visual Flight Rules rated pilot likely became spatially disorientated and lost control of the helicopter;
Research shows that pilots not proficient in instrument flying will become spatially disorientated and lose control within minutes after visual cues are lost;
A diversion or precautionary landing is almost certainly the safest option if day VFR rated pilots find themselves in a situation where last light is likely to occur before the planned destination is reached.
The collision with water of a Bell UH-1H helicopter near Anna Bay, NSW, resulting in the loss of all five people on board, highlights the significant risk of visual pilots attempting to fly in instrument conditions, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation into the 6 September 2019 accident notes.
ATSB says fatal helicopter crash pilot was spatially disoriented in dark off Port Stephens
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NBN News | FINDINGS RELEASED FROM REPORT INTO FATAL PORT STEPHENS HELICOPTER CRASH
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ATSB report highlights risk of visual pilots attempting to fly in instrument conditions
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