Collision with terrain involving Bell 47-G5A, VH-NAG, 10 km south of Lawn Hill (240 km north-north-west of Mount Isa), Queensland, on 2 March 1991

Circumstances:

Nearing the completion of a survey flight over a mining prospect, the pilot asked the passengers if they would like to see a crop-dusting manoeuvre. As the passengers had no objection, the pilot flew the helicopter through a steep 180 degree climbing turn to the left from a height of about 300 feet. During recovery from the ensuing dive, the aircraft struck the ground heavily and came to rest inverted. The surviving passenger was thrown from the aircraft after the initial impact. There was no evidence of any mechanical defect in the helicopter which may have contributed to the accident.

Significant Factors:

The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. The pilot attempted a manoeuvre at a height from which he was unable to recover safely.