A newly hired pilot was receiving instruction in nighttime marine pilot transfer (MPT) operations when, during the second approach to land on a bulk carrier off the coast of Australia, the Airbus Helicopters EC135 descended into the water, rolled over, floated briefly and then sank. The instructor exited the flooded cabin, but the new pilot was unable to escape; his body was later found in the submerged wreckage.
Unexpected Impact
A pilot without recent underwater escape training was trapped inside an EC135 that crashed into the water during a marine pilot transfer operation, the ATSB says.