This Day in History: 2003-03-29

Canadian Safari VH-VDB crashed at 4km SW of McLaren Vale, SA on 29 March 2003. The pilot and passenger in this kit-built helicopter were making a private flight from the pilot’s property to a nearby airstrip. At about 1415 Central Summer Time, witnesses reported seeing the helicopter flying in a south-westerly direction. One witness, who knew the pilot, reported that he saw the helicopter commence a gentle left turn and the pilot waving to him moments before it broke up in flight. That witness also reported seeing the cockpit bubble shatter and a cloud of white dust appearing from the area of the cabin. Witnesses reported having heard the engine operating immediately prior to and following the in-flight break-up. Other witnesses heard a loud metallic sound, and described the helicopter almost stopping, pitching nose-up and a main rotor blade folding, before pitching nose-down and descending steeply. The helicopter collided with a large tree and a shed before impacting the ground at the rear of a residential house block. There was no fire. Both occupants were fatally injured. Source: ATSB