Robinson R22, VH-UXD, Brooklyn Station, 44 km West of Goondiwindi QLD, 1 August 1984

198400031

Summary

The pilot landed the helicopter to allow his passenger to alight. The engine was left running, the cyclic frictioned and collective held fully down. The pilot then felt a low frequency vibration begin and almost immediately the left side of the helicopter lifted and the tail swung to the right. Control imputs by the pilot had no effect and the helicopter rolled onto its side. One of the four belts providing drive to the transmission had jumped off the sheave, for reasons which could not be established. The belt had become wrapped around the clutch shaft and had caused a sudden braking action to the main rotor blades. This braking force was of such a magnitude that the fuselage yawed in an inertia reaction. The right skid dug into the soft ground and a dynamic roll-over resulted.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198400031
Occurrence date 01/08/1984
Location Brooklyn Station, 44 km West of Goondiwindi
Report release date 05/09/1985
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of control
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level None

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Robinson Helicopter Co
Model R22
Registration VH-UXD
Sector Helicopter
Operation type Private
Departure point Brooklyn Station QLD
Destination Brooklyn Station QLD
Damage Substantial