During the workshop, the group highlighted the critical issue of wire strikes in aviation.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) presented an overview of reported incidents and accidents, supported by case studies on wire strikes.
Discussions revealed an increase in reported incidents. However, the Aerial Application Association of Australia (AAAA) emphasised that this trend reflects a positive shift towards a stronger reporting culture in the sector. While more incidents, there are less fatalities.
What can operators do?
Comprehensive briefings and resources
- Obtain detailed briefings on conditions and obstacles at Aeroplane Landing Areas (ALAs).
- Use tools like the Look up and Live app to show powerlines. This is one of the best ways to prepare.
Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Create SOPs, training packages, and directives that focus on the safest terrain flight procedures for specific operations.
- Clearly define responsibilities for the pilot at the controls, the pilot not at the controls, and other crewmembers.
- Remind people about these procedures at safety meetings and training.
Plan for low-level flight
- Avoid low-level flight unless you plan it and operationally require it. Most wire strikes occur during low-level flight, takeoff, or landing.
- Conduct a low-level check when landing in or taking off from small areas.
- Always be on the lookout, even in places you know well. There will be new wires and towers over time. Always do a low-level check and avoid becoming too comfortable.
Enhance situational awareness and marking
- Make sure wires and obstacles are correct on maps and aircraft situational awareness (SA) systems.
- Mark wires near places you use often so they're easier to see, and add any unmarked wires to your hazard maps.
- Brief people on possible wire strike hazards before each low-level operation.
Engage with landowners and stakeholders
- Encourage landowners with powerlines in low-level flying areas to install aerial markers. Some states offer incentive programs through energy suppliers to support this.
Innovations and challenges
In recent years, there have been promising advancements in powerline safety. The AAAA has been advocating for better mapping of powerline networks. However, wire strikes continue to rise, especially in aerial application operations, where small planes often encounter the hidden danger of electrical wires.
Pilots often know they are operating near powerlines, but many wires remain hard to see, especially during landing or takeoff from small airfields. The following make wire strikes a constant and deadly threat:
- changes to in flight paths
- increased workload
- minor lapses in concentration.
By using thorough safety practices and working together, everyone in aviation can help prevent wire strikes and make flying safer.
What are we doing and delivered?
We have industry engagement programs and publications to help increase pilots' awareness of the risks they may encounter when operating. Some of those programs include:
- Flight Safety publications – Wire, the invisible enemy
- Pilot safety hub
- Wire strike webinar