The Australian Transport Safety Bureau did not conduct an on scene investigation of this occurrence. The information presented below was obtained from information supplied to the Bureau.
The pilot of the Robinson Helicopter Co R22 Alpha reported that on 23 May 2004 while operating at Scott Creek Station, he hot re-fuelled the helicopter from a bulk fuel tank installation in preparation for mustering. During the into-wind transition from the hover to forward flight, the helicopter rolled rapidly to the right and impacted the ground. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the helicopter was destroyed. He reported that the fuel hose had disconnected from the bulk fuel outlet. It was likely that the helicopter had become entangled with the re-fuelling hose and pump during the departure.