Summary
The aircraft was conducting joy-flights near a Rock Festival. The pilot aborted a take-off attempt when it became clear to him that he would not obtain translational lift in time to clear trees at the end of the selected take-off area. He chose to air-taxi to a more suitable pad. To get to the pad, he had to air-taxi between two large trees. Whilst passing between the trees the pilot concentrated on rotor clearance and did not notice a wind gust which moved the aircraft towards the tree on the left. The main rotor hit a branch, forcing the pilot to take immediate recovery action. The aircraft landed heavily.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199300338 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 28/02/1993 |
| Location | Bindoon |
| State | Western Australia |
| Report release date | 26/05/1993 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain, Hard landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Minor |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | 47G-3B1 |
| Registration | VH-KHY |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Charter |
| Departure point | Bindoon WA |
| Destination | Bindoon WA |
| Damage | Substantial |