Robinson R22A, VH-HBL, 66 km SE of Charters Towers QLD, 22 June 1985

After helping to herd cattle to a yard, the pilot turned the helicopter and accelerated away adjacent to a creek. The helicopter struck a powerline, which crossed the creek at right angles, and impacted the ground on its right side. One of the main rotor blades bounced backwards into the cabin and almost severed the pilot's right foot. The powerline was difficult to see against the background of the surrounding countryside. The pilot, who has no memory of the accident, was aware of the location of the powerline but now believes he must have temporarily forgotten about its presence.