A preliminary report by the safety investigator has revealed a fracturing of the pitch change control sleeve likely led the helicopter to yaw – or spin on its vertical axis – before crashing and repeatedly rolling on the ground.
Air Ambulance Victoria conducts dozens of winch and numerous water-based rescues each year, ranging from individuals swept out to sea to patient retrievals from vessels many nautical miles off the coast.
Babcock Australasia recently delivered a Bell 412 helicopter to the SA Ambulance Service as part of its ongoing partnership with the State Rescue Helicopter Service.