The ATSB has published a preliminary report from its ongoing investigation of an accident involving a Robinson R44 helicopter north-east of Tenterfield, in northern NSW, in March.
The helicopter collided with terrain in dense bushland west of Cataract National Park on 13 March 2026. The pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, was fatally injured.
The report, which details evidence gathered during the ATSB's investigation of the accident to date, notes the wreckage was located on the southern side of a steep slope, at an elevation of about 870 m.
"All major aircraft components were accounted for at the accident site, although much of it was consumed by a post-impact fire," ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
"Damage to trees indicated the helicopter had struck them at a near vertical descent."
The accident flight was planned from the Gold Coast, Queensland, to Mudgee, NSW, with an intermediate stop at Armidale, NSW, to refuel.
"The helicopter took off at 0834 local time, and an automated emergency message was triggered by the pilot's iPhone crash alarm 72 minutes later," Mr Mitchell said.
NSW Police commenced a search in response to this alarm, and the wreckage was located the following morning.
The preliminary report details the weather forecasts published by the Bureau of Meteorology prior to the accident flight. It also notes high resolution visible satellite imagery showed cloud extending inland to the NSW/Queensland border, including at the accident site, around the time of the accident.
"Several witnesses located near the accident site, who reported there was very low cloud and drizzle at the time, stated they saw a helicopter flying low 'before lunchtime' on the day of the accident," Mr Mitchell detailed.
"Meteorological information will be subject to further review as the investigation continues.
"In addition, the investigation will also further examine the mapped accident site and helicopter wreckage, and aircraft and operational documentation."
A final report, which will detail the ATSB's findings and the analysis to support those findings, will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
"However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so they can take safety action," Mr Mitchell concluded.
You can find here the preliminary report: Collision with terrain involving Robinson R44 II, VH-TCF, about 46 km north-east of Tenterfield Airport, New South Wales, on 13 March 2026
