Mount Anderson helicopter crash: Cause of collision that killed pilots Peter Ritter, Gavin U’Ren revealed

A Kimberley helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of two young pilots, was likely the result of their employer not having appropriate risk management procedures in place. Crash investigators said operator Pearl Coast Helicopters — a Broome-based company specialising in aerial stock musters — did not have the tools to consider and manage the risks associated with the musters. The pilots were also allowed to decided how far apart their helicopters could be during flights — which could pose a risk for midair collisions. Pilots Peter Ritter, 29, and Gavin U’Ren, 30, died after their helicopters collided mid-air at Mount Anderson Station homestead, near Derby, on July 25 last year. Pearl Coast had employed both men. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which investigated the crash, released its findings on Wednesday, stating the tools used by Pearl Coast “to consider and manage operational risk were not tailored to their main business of aerial mustering”. “Further, the risk of collision had not been identified in operational risk assessments, and the operator’s manuals did not provide documented procedures to ensure pilots establish and maintain adequate separation between helicopters,” chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said. Separation standards set a minimum distance between aircrafts to prevent collisions. The investigation found each pilot was allowed to arrange their own separation “based on personal preference”. “Pilots routinely flew with reduced vertical and lateral separation, and over time this became an accepted operating preference,” Mr Mitchell said. He said the tragedy demonstrated the need for risk management to identify and mitigate risks, and said it was a reminder the operators and pilots should always follow separation standards. “Aerial mustering plays a critical role in Australia’s agricultural sector,” Mr Mitchell 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.” Mr Mitchell said defined minimum plane separation limits and and pre-planned safe exits, which give pilots a chance to identify and respond to emerging collision threats, were important tools to avoid mid-air collisions. “Additionally, airframe obstructions can limit visibility in even the most open cabins,” he said. “This should be a key consideration when establishing how aircraft should be positioned when flying in close proximity.” The report revealed Pearl Coast Helicopters had since conducted a review into its operations manual and defined procedures for flights involving multiple aircrafts. “These changes were contained in a company notice to air crew and all pilots were briefed on the changes prior to resuming flying operations,” the report reads. “Additionally, a specific risk assessment for mustering operations was generated that included multi‑helicopter operations and considered the risk of collision. “ The tragedy unfolded when four helicopters departed for a cattle mustering operation near Mount Anderson Station about 6.30am. Shortly after take-off — at an altitude of about 150 feet — two helicopters collided, resulting in an “immediate loss of control”, before falling to the ground. Both Mr Ritter and Mr U’Ren were killed. The helicopters did not have any pre-existing mechanical defects. The pilots’ social media profiles showed they loved flying. The men had posted several photos and videos of them next to or inside helicopters. According to Mr Ritter’s social media channels, the talented photographer studied at Weilmoringle in New South Wales before moving to WA. Mr U’Ren was from Northam but lived in Broome. Just two months before his death, Mr U’ren described his love for flying, in an interview with the Farm Weekly newspaper. “Watching them work, and getting to ride in the helicopters occasionally made me realise that was what I wanted to do,” Mr U’Ren said. “Becoming mates with a few pilots, seeing the life they live, moving around and seeing some pretty cool countryside just concreted it.” Pearl Coast Helicopters has been contacted for comment.