ATSB-AR-2011-004
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- August 9, 2016 Create Date
- August 9, 2016 Last Updated
Under Reporting of Aviation Wirestrikes
From July 2003 to mid-June 2011, there were 166 aircraft wirestrikes in Australia
that were reported to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The majority
of these wirestrikes did not result in a fatality.
About half of the aircraft that struck electrical, telecommunication and other wires
were engaged in the low flying activity of crop spraying. Another 17 per cent were
involved in other aerial work activities such as aerial stock mustering, fire control,
and survey and photography. Other wirestrikes have occurred during takeoff or
landing, especially for balloons and emergency situations such as forced landings
away from an aerodrome. However, some wirestrikes have also occurred in
situations where the pilot engaged in unauthorised low flying such as sightseeing or
‘buzzing’.
Regardless of the reason for a wirestrike, all occurrences affecting aviation safety
are reportable matters to the ATSB under the Transport Safety Investigation Act
2003 (TSI Act). It is important that all aviation wirestrikes are reported to the ATSB
to allow the opportunity for investigation and the collection of accurate data for
research purposes. Information reported to the ATSB increases the understanding of
wirestrikes, the identification of trends, as well as how and why they happen. It is
only from reported information that the ATSB can improve aviation safety by
establishing the true extent of wirestrikes and determining the circumstances in
which they occur. This allows safety actions to be directed towards the most
appropriate areas to help reduce wirestrikes.
Notifications of aviation safety related occurrences can be made to the ATSB Via
the toll free number 1800 011 034 (available 24/7) or via the ATSB notification
In addition, it is also important for involved persons to notify the wire infrastructure
owner of a wirestrike, whether they be an electricity or a telecommunication
company or a private wire owner, as there may be ramifications to the wider
community, including the risk of electrocution and fires.
File | Action |
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ATSB-AR-2011-004 Under Reporting of Aviation Wirestrikes.pdf | Download |
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