Summary
During a cattle mustering operation, the helicopter suffered a total power loss at about 80 ft AGL. The resultant heavy landing spread the skids, and the main rotor severed the tail boom. Both occupants were able to exit the aircraft safely.
Post flight examination found there was no fuel in the helicopter's tanks. The tanks were intact.
The pilot has not responded to a request for information.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199601291 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 21/04/1996 |
| Location | 210 km west-south-west of Longreach Aerodrome |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 08/08/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Fuel exhaustion |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Robinson Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | R22 Beta |
| Registration | VH-JNQ |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Connmara Station QLD |
| Destination | Connmara Station QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |