Australia’s aviation agency has grounded helicopters for use in locust-control work after a fatal accident last week, The Australian reported. Pilot Ross Mill, 36, and passenger Ben McDonnell, 33, were killed when their helicopter hit power lines while surveying for locusts. A second passenger, Lucinda Mordue, was seriously injured in the crash, which was the third in a month involving helicopters on locust patrol running into power lines. After the first two crashes, pilots had called for better marking of the lines. Locusts are now hatching across the New South Wales region, with reports of swarming and crop damage. All insect-control aerial operations were banned after the crash, but fixed-wing flights resumed work after several days. The use of helicopters is suspended pending a review to determine if extra safety measures are needed.
…But Locust Chase Defies Helicopters
Key Takeaways:
- Australia's aviation agency grounded helicopters for locust-control work after a fatal crash killed two people and injured one, marking the third such incident involving power lines in a month.
- The fatal accident occurred while the helicopter was surveying for locusts and hit power lines, despite previous calls from pilots for better marking of these lines after earlier crashes.
- While fixed-wing flights for insect control have resumed, helicopter operations remain suspended pending a review to determine if extra safety measures are needed amidst ongoing locust outbreaks causing crop damage.
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