Collision with terrain involving a Kawasaki Heavy Industries 47G3B-KH4, VH-JWA, Mount Jukes, TAS on 7 October 1993

The pilot landed the helicopter in an easterly direction on a landing platform on the side of a hill. The helipad was at a drilling site in a rain forest area. As the wind was a light northerly, the pilot decided to reposition the helicopter by turning it to face into wind. As he manoeuvred the helicopter he did not see an upright stick which contacted the spinning tail rotor. Significant Factor The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the accident: 1. The pilot did not to see an obstacle prior to manoeuvring the helicopter.