Due to the low level of reports, the analysis combined both aeroplane and helicopter occurrences when comparing the top trends. Analysis of occurrence types showed the most common occurrence taxonomy for accidents and serious incidents were:
- collision with terrain: 28 in total - with 21 accidents (6 fatal accidents) and 3 serious incidents
- near collision: a total of 14 - with 10 serious incidents; 12 in Class G airspace
- wirestrike:11 in total - with 9 serious incidents, 10 by helicopters
- engine failure or malfunction: total of 18 - 4 accidents and 3 serious incidents
- loss of Control: total 4 events – all classified as accidents, 1 fatal accident.
The following airspace related occurrences were also prevalent. They were mostly classified as incidents. This included:
- air-ground-air. There were a total of 25 occurrences, 23 incidents and 2 serious incidents. Of these WA and NSW were the two states where these incidents most occurred:
- 9 in WA
- 8 in NSW
- 13 occurred during maneuvering air work, 4 on approach, 3 in cruise
- operational non-compliance
- aircraft separation: issues.
Considering the significant increase in flight hours in 2019, we expected to see the increase in occurrences in this period. Overall, the number of reports are small. Although we noticed an increase in near collision in 2021 when flying hours in that year were half of the average.
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While the data shows these events occur more often than others, we need to keep in mind the contributing factors. Some events will need further examination to determine the underlying causes.
Occurrence types – event risk classification
When considering the ATSB’s Event Risk Classification, we can break down the significance of the occurrences to identify the following risk events:
- very high
- high
This may help in providing further clarify on the overall key risks for this sector. Approximately 12% of firefighting occurrences have an ERC of very high and high. A further 32% were classified as a medium.
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ERC scores the potential risk in an occurrence. Analysis of these occurrences shows that the top 5 occurrence types with high and medium risk potential were:
- collision with terrain
- engine failure of malfunction
- near collision
- air-ground-air communication
- aircraft separation issues.
Safety factors
ATSB applies safety factors to certain occurrences to identify underlying conditions or factors that contributed to the occurrence. Safety factors are an event or condition that increases safety risks. This means it increases the likelihood of an occurrence or the consequences associated with an occurrence.
Approximately 48% of the firefighting occurrences have safety factors assigned by the ATSB. The most frequent safety factors between 2000 and April 2023 for occurrences with an ERC of high or very high are:
- aircraft operation action
- weather conditions
- fracture
- procedures.
