The Department of Conservation (DOC)
has suspended the use of all Robinson helicopters to
transport DOC staff, volunteers and contractors.
DOC’s decision follows the recent fatal Robinson R44
crash in Northland involving two forestry workers and the
placing of Robinson helicopters on a Transport Accident
Investigation Commission ‘watchlist’.
DOC’s
Director Health and Safety, Harry Maher, says the decision
has been made to protect DOC staff including volunteers and
contractors working directly for DOC.
“The safety
of our people is paramount so in light of the recent
accident we are suspending the use of these helicopters for
operations where DOC staff, volunteers and contractors are
passengers.”
Mr Maher says DOC will liaise with
the Civil Aviation Authority during their investigation of
this latest accident and review its position as further
information from the Civil Aviation Authority comes to
hand.
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