An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation report concludes that a shipboard helicopter accident was likely due to ground resonance and emphasises the importance of proper pilot coordination in responding to abnormal
An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation report concludes that a shipboard helicopter accident was likely due to ground resonance and emphasises the importance of proper pilot coordination in responding to abnormal situations.
The incident occurred on February 25, 2025. An Agusta A109E helicopter with two pilots on board – a pilot flying in‑command‑under‑supervision (ICUS) and a pilot supervising – was taking off from a bulk carrier about 200km north‑east of Mackay, Queensland, after dropping off a marine pilot.
As it was lifting off from the ship’s helideck, the helicopter developed severe vibrations. The take‑off was discontinued but control of the helicopter was lost.
The helicopter came to rest upright on the helideck, more than 90° counterclockwise from its original position, having sustained substantial damage. No injuries were reported.
The ATSB found that the vibration was likely the result of the helicopter entering ground resonance, a phenomenon that dissipates when airborne, while it was in the process of departing from the ship.
“When the vibrations started, the pilot supervising perceived the pilot flying to be holding the cyclic in an abnormally aft position and believed the main rotor may have struck the tail boom,” ATSB Director Transport Safety Stuart Macleod
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