Investigation number
198203507
Occurrence date
Location
94 km West of Alice Springs NT.
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
Serious
The pilot had just completed a low-level turn to down wind when the helicopter began to sink. He applied power and collective control but was unable to arrest the sink and the tail rotor struck the ground. The helicopter then rotated 3-4 turns to the right and dropped heavily onto its skids. The pilot shut down the engine. Fire broke out and the passenger was struck by the still rotating main rotor as he ran around the tail to reach the boom-mounted fire extinguisher. The investigation did not reveal any fault with the aircraft that might have contributed to the accident. The reason for the helicopter sinking after the turn could not be positively determined.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Bell Helicopter Co
Model
47
Registration
VH-FJP
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
30 km NW Owen Springs NT.
Departure time
1500
Destination
30 km NW Owen Springs NT.
Damage
Substantial