Troy Thomas reported ‘unusual vibrations’ in helicopter before fatal Broome crash

The pilot of the helicopter that crashed in Broome last Saturday had reported unusual vibrations in the aircraft one day before it lost three key tail parts and fell to the ground, air safety experts have determined. Kimberley business identity Troy Thomas, 40, was flying the accident chopper before it failed at about 2.25pm, which killed him and 12-year-old Amber, whose family have asked for her last name to be withheld. Mr Thomas’ daughter Mia, 12, and teacher’s aide Maddison Down, 24, were also onboard and are still fighting for their lives in Perth hospitals. Four Australian Transport Safety Bureau helicopter experts were sent to the Kimberley town to investigate the accident and released an update yesterday after the wreckage had been moved from Bilingurr, north of Broome, to an empty Broome International Airport hangar. The update said investigators had interviewed a pilot who flew the helicopter two days before the crash who reported feeling unusual vibrations through the tail rotor pedals. It said Mr Thomas confirmed the unusual vibrations after conducting a short flight in the helicopter and maintenance personnel subsequently conducted a “dynamic tail rotor balance” one day before the accident. ATSB chief commissioner Greg Hood said the significance of the reported vibrations and the reason for the three parts separating from the chopper were not yet known. “While the investigation is on-going, the ATSB urges any R44 pilot that experiences unusual vibrations through the tail rotor pedals to land as soon as possible,” he said. Mr Hood said video footage had shown three components separated from the chopper, which caused it to spin out of control and fall to the ground. “Based on CCTV footage and examination of the wreckage, ATSB investigators have been able to determine that the helicopter’s tail rotor gearbox, tail rotor and tail assembly separated from the helicopter soon after take-off,” he said. “Following the in-flight separation of the tail, the helicopter then fell to the ground, out of control.” The failed components of the aircraft were expected to be flown to Canberra for further examination. Mr Hood said CCTV footage would not be released because of its distressing nature for family and friends. Kimberley District Superintendent Greg Crofts said police were also continuing to investigate the two deaths on behalf of the State Coroner. It had taken off from the company’s headquarters on Antheous Way in Bilingurr, before crashing on the street moments later. Tributes have continued to flow for Mr Thomas this week, who is being remembered as an icon of Broome who was committed to tourism in the Kimberley region. In a statement this week, Amber’s family said their little angel was a beautiful, kind and caring person who gave everything her best effort. They said the 12-year-old was passionate about sport and already had her sight set on a career in medicine.