Investigation number
200401181
Occurrence date
Location
56 km NNW Charters Towers, (ALA)
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Collision with terrain
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

On 31 March 2004, at 0600 Eastern Standard Time, the Robinson R22 helicopter with one pilot on board departed on a ferry flight to commence mustering operation from a property approximately 15 minutes flying time to the north-north-east. The pilot reported that he landed at the property and picked up a passenger who was going to show him the paddocks, fences and laneways.

At about 1000, after mustering cattle into a small paddock, the pilot made an approach to land beside a fence. The pilot indicated that the weather was fine with good visibility. The wind was from an easterly direction at 5 kts and the temperature was 25 degrees C. He reported that he saw a powerline and aimed to land adjacent to a point where the powerline changed direction. However, he did not see a third wire, which the helicopter struck at a height of about 30 ft. The helicopter spun into the ground and landed on a barbed wire fence. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom, lower vertical fin and tail rotor blades. The two occupants escaped with minor injuries.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Robinson Helicopter Co
Model
R22
Registration
VH-HHD
Serial number
3022
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Haven Glen, QLD
Departure time
0600 hours EST
Destination
Eumara Springs Station, QLD
Damage
Substantial