Summary
The helicopter was being used to drive cattle across a creek, when one beast broke out of the herd. During an attempt to drive it back, the pilot misjudged the clearance between the main rotor disc and the foliage of a large tree. After the tree strike, the machine was still controllable to the extent that it was landed without any further damage. Post-flight inspection revealed that all three main rotor blades were damaged.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198903790 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 13/07/1989 |
| Location | Lyndhurst Station |
| Report release date | 15/09/1989 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Hughes Helicopters |
|---|---|
| Model | 269 |
| Registration | VH-MZR |
| Serial number | 1100995 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Private |
| Departure point | Lyndhurst Station QLD |
| Destination | Lyndhurst Station QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |