avbug Posted January 28, 2019 Posted January 28, 2019 An Erikson skycrane crashed this morning in Gippsland, Victoria, working the Thompson Complex Catchment fires. Three on board, all got out and were able to swim to shore. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The crew are fine. Quote
Fred0311 Posted January 28, 2019 Posted January 28, 2019 Was it operated by Erickson? The article I saw said it was owned by a local agency, but we know how accurate the news is... Quote
iChris Posted January 29, 2019 Posted January 29, 2019 (edited) Lots of interesting things can happen operating in and out of confined areas. Also shallow water with hidden objects to hook your snorkel on and roll you over. Similar to the snagged pond snorkel on the Day Fire rollover back in 2006 (Erickson S64E Day Fire Accident) and (Erickson Libby, MT Accident). Appears the sea snorkel is stowed due to the shallow water; therefore, they would have been using the pond snorkel. '>https://youtu.be/OeIP4xT7Wug VICTORIAN FIRE BOMBING AIRCRAFT INCIDENT 28 JANUARY 2019One of Victoria’s fire bombing Aircranes, "Christine" 341 has been involved in an incident during fire operations over the Thomson Complex Catchment fires in Gippsland. The two pilots and one engineer are safe after swimming to the edge of the dam where the aircraft crashed. Ambulance Victoria will assess the crew members.Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Worksafe have been notified.Over the past several days, the aircraft had been involved in fire suppression activities at the Thomson Catchment Complex fires. The Aircrane was one of ten aircraft working on the fire. Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said that he was grateful that the crew are safe.Victoria has 49 contracted aircraft including two Aircranes. Owner/operator: Erickson Inc Registration: N173AC Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair) Location: Gippsland, VIC 37º 41.575'S 146º 08.432'EElev: 3,497'Phase: Manoeuvring (firefighting) Narrative:A helicopter crashed into a reservoir during fire fighting operations. Crew swam to shore and are OK. Edited January 29, 2019 by iChris Quote
avbug Posted January 29, 2019 Author Posted January 29, 2019 It was operated by Erikson, but in Oz the state agencies like to put their names on the aircraft and claim them. "Ownership" by the "local agency" is akin to an exclusive use contract in the US. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.