Fatality involving use of gyroplane (26 June 2023)
A 52-year-old worker sustained fatal injuries while using a gyroplane during mustering operations at a property in the Far West region of NSW. The gyroplane became entangled in overhead powerlines, fell to the ground, and was engulfed in flames.
Safety information
Aircraft are used for a wide range of agricultural activities, such as livestock spotting, mustering, fence inspections, crop monitoring, and aerial applications including spraying, seeding and fertilising. These typically occur under Civil Aviation Safety Legislation or the self-administering scheme of a Recreational Aviation Administrative Organisation.
However, where these activities occur at workplaces the persons involved may also have duties under Work Health and Safety legislation. This includes managing risks to health and safety, and consulting with others involved in the activity.
Many agricultural aviation activities involve low level flight where there is a greater risk of collision with the ground or obstacles such as power lines. The likelihood of both thermal and mechanical turbulence is also higher when flying low, increasing the risk of loss of control and collision with terrain or obstacles.
Consider reasonably practicable control measures to manage risks associated with agricultural aviation activities.
Ensure:
- aircraft are suitable for the activity, airworthy and have up-to-date maintenance records
- pilots hold appropriate operational ratings and endorsements for the particular activity and aircraft type
- appropriate planning occurs prior to starting the activity, including:
- assessment of the geographical characteristics of the area of flying operation
- assessment of any effect of terrain on wind, airflow and associated flying conditions
- identification of hazards, such as structures and powerlines in the area of flying, and how to identify these during the low-level flying operation
- assessment of actual and forecast weather
- assessment of aircraft performance and suitability for the activity
- maintaining effective communication between pilot and ground crew
- management of fatigue.
Other control measures may also be beneficial in some situations:
- Look up and live (website and phone app) for identifying power lines.
- Installing powerline markers to increase in-flight visibility.
- Use of drones.
Related guidance material
- Work near overhead powerlines – Code of Practice (PDF, 3569.89 KB)
- Aerial safety – Essential energy
- Look up and live – Powerline & safety tool planning app
- A-Z farm safety guide ( PDF, 5673.78 KB)
- Agricultural work near overhead electric lines information sheet – Safework Australia
- Aerial work risk management