Ground strike involving a Kawasaki Heavy Industries 47G3B-KH4, VH-SUC, 19km SE Turkey Creek, WA on 14 January 1996

The pilot was transporting the passengers to a waterhole to carry out a ground inspection. Although there was a large clear landing area only 100 m from the waterhole the pilot attempted a landing in a more confined area next to the waterhole. As the helicopter came to the hover the pilot recognised the area was unsuitable for a landing and he commenced a go-around. During the go-around the main rotor blades made contact with a rock wall. The pilot completed a precautionary landing and the subsequent inspection indicated that the blades were substantially damaged.