Investigation continues into ABC chopper crash

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has issued a second preliminary report into the helicopter crash that killed pilot Gary Ticehurst, journalist Paul Lockyer and cameraman John Bean last month.

Investigators are still searching for clues into the accident that took place east of Lake Eyre killing the two ABC staff and pilot.

The chopper crashed shortly after taking off from an island at Lake Eyre. A tour group which had been with the men earlier did not report seeing any problems with Ticehurst’s health or behaviour and said none had consumed alcohol.

“A number of witnesses from the tour group reported seeing the helicopter depart in an easterly direction before turning to the north,” the report says.

Several reported seeing the helicopter descend before going out of view, followed by a red or orange glow.

It is the first fatal crash in Australia involving an AS355 helicopter and the first since 1986 involving a twin-engined chopper.

The report notes the helicopter had met maintenance requirements and had recently been serviced.

Source: The Age