An investigation into a Kawasaki BK-117 helicopter accident in the Southern Ocean near the Auckland Islands on April 22, 2019 is ongoing, with no publication deadline set for the report expected sometime next year.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission opened its investigation into the Southern Lakes Helicopter incident on the same day as the helicopter was reported missing, 450km south of New Zealand.

Winchman Lester Stevens, medic John Lambeth and pilot Andrew Hefford all survived the accident – although Mr Stevens was knocked unconscious for a short time. 

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They were wearing survival gear and life jackets and came ashore on Enderby Island, the main island of the remote subantarctic archipelago.

The helicopter ended up at the bottom of the ocean.

The men were found on a beach by an elated search and rescue team the next day and assessed and treated at Invercargill Hospital.

The long-range aircraft had been intending to pick up a crew member from a fishing boat and transfer that person to Invercargill for medical treatment. 

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TAIC senior communications advisor Simon Pleasants told the Southland App last week (Wednesday December 16) the investigation had been making progress and a draft report was underway.

The BK-117 owners and other stakeholders in the investigation would be able to read and give feedback on the draft report before it was finalised and distributed more widely to the aviation industry and the public. That could possibly happen at the end of the first quarter of 2021, he said.

“There was quite a lot involved. The evidence was at the bottom of the ocean for a time. The investigators also had questions for the overseas manufacturers of the helicopter,” he said.

It was normal for reports to take about 18 to 24 months and this particular report was on schedule, Mr Pleasants said.

“The commission is an inquisitorial body. That is one of the reasons why it takes quite a long time. The findings have to be based on very solid ground. The recommendations usually affect the entire sector,” Mr Pleasants said.

The helicopter salvage was undertaken in May 2019.