ATSB finds operator failed to set separation standards after July 25, 2024 R22 midair collision that killed both pilots

The ATSB's final report on the 25 July 2024 midair collision of two Robinson R22 mustering helicopters at Mount Anderson Station found both pilots were not seen before impact, killing them. Operator Pearl Coast Helicopters lacked defined separation standards, exposing limits of 'see-and-avoid' and the need for formal risk management.

Discovered 2025-12-02T18:08:48.852128-08:00 | 2025-12-02T18:08:48.852128-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Operator-level safety gaps — the absence of defined separation standards — directly contributed to two fatalities and underscores the need for enforceable procedural oversight and operator risk controls; see the recent Senate Commerce Committee move on aviation safety reforms.
The report highlights the practical limits of 'see-and-avoid' in low-level, high-concurrency mustering operations and reinforces arguments for expanded surveillance/equipage such as ADS‑B In to close visual detection gaps.
This accident joins other recent midair collisions and near-misses under investigation, including a TSB probe in eastern Ontario, signalling heightened regulatory, insurer and operational scrutiny of low-altitude helicopter workflows.

Reported By

Vertical Mag Australian Aviation miragenews.com