Amateur-built Cicare CH-7B Helicopter VH-SWQ Crash Near Barcaldine

Workplace Health and Safety and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have commenced investigating the crash of amateur-built Cicare CH-7B Helicopter VH-SWQ near Barcaldine.  Police have said that the helicopter came down about 8pm on Monday 12 May, some 40 kilometres west of Barcaldine.  The helicopter impacted trees and collided with terrain, coming to rest inverted. The helicopter was flying cattle spotting operations, and was substantially damaged, fatally injuring the pilot.

http://www.brumbyhelicopters.com.au/

Media outlets have reported that the pilot was a respected drover who had had the helicopter for only a short time.

The CH-7B is a kit helicopter, designed by Cicaré of Argentina, and distributed in Australia by Rotor Research (Brumby Helicopters) and Airwork Helicopters.