Aviation watchdog hands down findings after two pilots killed in Kimberley chopper crash

3 months ago 21

The aviation safety watchdog says proper protocol wasn’t in place when two helicopter pilots collided midair before a cattle muster on a remote Kimberley station last year, killing them both.

Peter Ritter and Gavin U’Ren both had years of experience piloting and mustering with Robinson 22s choppers when the crash happened at the Mount Anderson homestead near Camballin in 2024.

Peter Ritter, 29 and Gavin U’Ren, 30, were both killed in the collision this year.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the men had just taken off to begin a mustering operation and were about 400 metres away from the homestead when witnesses said they collided.

The crash itself was partially obstructed by trees, but witnesses told the ATSB they hadn’t observed any attempt by the pilots to manoeuvre away from one another before the impact happened.

The choppers crashed into the terrain, and the two young men were later pronounced dead at the scene.

The ATSB said the cause of the crash appeared to be because the helicopter contractors did not have an embedded protocol in place to ensure choppers were properly distanced when taking off around the same time.

“Pilots routinely flew with reduced vertical and lateral separation, and over time this became an accepted operating preference,” Chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said.

The report said the station could have taken the time during the morning briefing to remind its workers about safe separation protocol, and the helicopter’s contractor ideally would have embedded the practice in its training materials.

Investigators said while operating with unofficial guidelines allowed pilots to work with flexibility in mustering situations, it could be difficult when it came to maintaining safety standards.

The crash site identified in the report.

“The accepted separation practice increased the risk that two helicopters would be flown close enough to cause a collision hazard and the operator’s existing procedures did not manage this operational risk,” investigators said.

The report also found there could have been some visibility restriction at the time of the crash due to dust and the time of the day, which could have prevented a pilot from seeing another helicopter approaching.

Mr Mitchell said the accident was a demonstration of the need for risk management to identify, assess and mitigate risks.

“Aerial mustering plays a critical role in Australia’s agricultural sector,” he said.

“This tragic accident should serve as a trigger for all mustering operators to consider their risk management practices, and whether they have scaled them adequately for their operation.”

Ritter and U’Ren, who were 29 and 30 respectively at the time of their deaths, were experienced chopper pilots who had worked for years on different stations in the Kimberley and interstate.

Both men are now the namesake for the Ritter-U’ren scholarship, which is an annual scholarship for junior helicopter pilots looking to work in agricultural aviation.

The training is conducted at Jandakot Heli-Co in Perth.

In announcing the scholarship in an industry publication, Ritter and U’Ren were remembered as two men who “were more than just pilots”.

“They were passionate about the ag-aviation world, helping keep cattle operations running and inspiring countless young pilots to take to the skies,” it said.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.