Overview
- ATSB released its report on December 3, 2025 into the July 25, 2024 collision near Mount Anderson Station that killed mustering pilots Peter Ritter and Gavin U’Ren.
- Investigators determined the helicopters collided during the initial climb after the lead aircraft turned right and neither pilot detected their converging flight paths.
- The report found Pearl Coast Helicopters allowed pilots to self-manage spacing, reduced separation became accepted practice, and multi-aircraft risks were not formally controlled.
- Witnesses reported no obvious evasive manoeuvres about 400 metres from the homestead, and wreckage evidence indicated the lead helicopter may have been in a blind spot to the other at impact.
- The ATSB cautioned that see-and-avoid is fallible, recommended minimum separation and planned exit routes, and noted the operator has updated its manual and briefed crews.