Helicopters met by 'wall of cloud' before fatal Mount Disappointment crash

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A preliminary report into a fatal helicopter crash at Mount Disappointment, at the southern end of the Great Dividing Range, reveals pilots were surrounded by cloud in the moments leading up to the disaster.

Australia's national transport safety investigator has released its preliminary report into "one of the worst" aviation tragedies in Victorian history, revealing a helicopter pilot encountered a "wall of cloud" prior to the crash.The helicopter was one of two travelling in a convoy when it crashed at Mount DisappointmentFive people died in the crash, including the pilot

The helicopter had been flying in convoy with another as part of a private charter operated by Microflite, when it disappeared just after 9am on March 31.Its wreckage was discovered less than two hours later. The pilot who flew the first helicopter told investigators scattered cloud coverage at 1,500 feet forced them to take a more direct route over Mount Disappointment to Ulupna, instead of flying the recommended route to Kilmore Gap.Before the two helicopters could cross Mount Disappointment, the first pilot reported being confronted by a "wall of cloud", and broadcast to Mr Neal their intention to turn around.

Moments later, Mr Neal's helicopter was seen flying below and to the left of the first helicopter. It would be the last time the helicopter would be seen before its wreckage was discovered.

 

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