On 12 February 2006, the pilot of a Robinson Helicopter Company
R44 Raven II Newscopter, registered VH-WYS, was conducting aerial
filming of a banner towing helicopter in the vicinity of
Williamstown, Vic. On board with the pilot were a photographer in
the front left seat and a gyro-stabilised camera operator in the
rear left seat.
While in a turn at low airspeed, and with a quartering tailwind,
the helicopter began an uncommanded yaw to the right. The pilot
attempted to regain control but the helicopter continued to rotate
to the right and descended approximately 1,800 ft before control
was regained. The helicopter was flown to a nearby beach and
landed.
The reported ambient conditions and nature of the loss of
control were consistent with the pilot report that the helicopter
had suffered a loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). It was
possible that the onset of vortex ring state had contributed to the
high rate of descent during the pilot's recovery from the LTE.