You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Wednesday 25 August 2021 |
| Time: | |
| Type: |  Eurocopter AS 350B3 Squirrel |
| Owner/operator: | Aviation Utilities Pty Ltd |
| Registration: | VH-HWA |
| MSN: | 3916 |
| Year of manufacture: | 2005 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Other |
| Location: | Essendon Airport, Melbourne, VIC -
 Australia
|
| Phase: | Standing |
| Nature: | - |
| Departure airport: | - |
| - | |
| Confidence Rating: |  Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities |
The helicopter was struck by an out of control Challenger 600 jet, VH-JPQ, which was undergoing engine test runs. The helicopter has suffered severe damage.
A third aircraft was also impacted. Sources suggest a Merlin SA227-TT, VH-RCI, may also have been damaged, but unconfirmed.
Sources:
https://www.3aw.com.au/dramatic-scenes-at-essendon-airport-as-plane-smashes-into-other-aircraft/
https://www.casa.gov.au/aircraft-register?search_api_views_fulltext=&vh=HWA&field_ar_serial=
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/occurrence-briefs/2021/aviation/ab-2021-024
Media:
Bahaha OOPS. That looks incredibly expensive. (Essendon Airport) pic.twitter.com/5xzDhS7xu3
— Mark “Bannister-Safe” Newton (@NewtonMark) August 25, 2021
A runaway Jet has slammed into the 9 News Media Chopper at Essendon Airport. VH-HWA contracts the live footage for 7 & ABC as well so don't expect any aerial shots in Victoria for a while on the news. #springst pic.twitter.com/EBHz1nn49r
— Aus Covid and Vax stats (@aus_forum) August 25, 2021
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 26-Aug-2021 07:37 | Petropavlovsk | Added |
| 26-Aug-2021 07:39 | harro | Updated [Aircraft type, Cn, Total fatalities, Other fatalities, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Embed code, ] |
| 26-Aug-2021 15:07 | Aerossurance | Updated [Source, Embed code, ] |
| 26-Aug-2021 15:07 | Aerossurance | Updated [Embed code, ] |
| 07-Jun-2022 21:11 | Ron Averes | Updated [Location, Embed code, ] |
| 08-Nov-2022 07:42 | mryjdrake | Updated [Source, Narrative, ] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation