Collision on ground involving a Bell 47G-3B1, VH-KHM and Robinson R22 Beta, VH-UXN, Jugiong, New South Wales, on 22 September 1993

Two helicopters were engaged on frost prevention activities during the night. One helicopter was on the ground, its engine running with the pilot standing some distance away. The second helicopter was approaching to land to refuel. The pilot reported that he approached his selected landing point and entered the hover, facing east into the sun which had just risen. After touchdown, the main rotors of both helicopters collided and resulted in the destruction of both aircraft.

Significant Factors

1. The landing pilot misjudged the clearance between his rotor disc and that of the helicopter on the ground during landing.

2. Sun glare may have affected the landing pilot's vision.