Summary
The pilot reported that, shortly after commencing to cruise at about 750 feet agl, the helicopter encountered a willy willy and was thrown almost upside down. During the recovery actions, right pedal was applied rapidly and the operating cable broke. An auto-rotational landing was initiated but, just prior to touchdown, another willy willy struck the helicopter and it landed while spinning under the influence of this disturbance.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198400051 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 30/11/1984 |
| Location | Wyena Station, 37 km NW of Moranbah |
| Report release date | 19/12/1984 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Hiller Aviation |
|---|---|
| Model | UH-12 |
| Registration | VH-FBH |
| Operation type | Business |
| Departure point | Wyena Station, QLD |
| Destination | Broadmeadow Station, 22 km N of Moranbah, QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |