Antarctic mishap damages plane, prompts new safety protocols

A routine fuel transfer operation in Antarctica took an unexpected turn when a helicopter's sling load made contact with a stationary Twin Otter plane, causing damage and grounding the aircraft for more than two weeks. The incident occurred on January 3 near Australia's Davis Station.

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Ah, sorry guys

The BK-117 helicopter, operated by Helicopter Resources, was lifting four old fuel drums attached to a 100-foot cable. The plan was to place these drums near the Twin Otter, which would then transport them to a landing site. However, the remote hook of the cable inadvertently struck the trailing edge of the Twin Otter's wing, damaging the aileron trim tab and its actuator mechanism.

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How close do you reckon you can get?

Radio transcripts reveal the moments leading up to the mishap. The helicopter pilot and ground crew discussed proximity for the operation, with the pilot estimating he could get within 4 to 5 meters. After a series of height call-outs, the pilot's brief "Ah, sorry guys" signaled the unintended contact.

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I'll see what it's like once I get my head out the door here, but maybe like 4 or 5 metres

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) investigation classified the accident's actual severity as moderate, but its potential severity as major. The Twin Otter, operated by Canada's Kenn Borek Air, was out of service for over two weeks during the crucial summer operational period. The incident has led to the implementation of new safety protocols for aircraft operations on the continent.

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The remote hook, attached to a sling load of four fuel drums, struck the trailing edge [of the] Twin Otter's wing, causing damage to the aileron trim tab and associated actuator mechanism.