Summary
The helicopter was spraying a melon crop when the main rotor came into contact with a steel rod in the crop. The subsequent rotor imbalance necessitated a forced landing. The helicopter subsequently landed heavily, and the main rotor blades cut off the tail boom resulting in substantial damage. This accident was not reported.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199702020 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 08/01/1997 |
| Location | Leeton |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 12/09/1997 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Forced/precautionary landing |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | 47G-3B1 |
| Registration | VH-HGM |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Damage | Substantial |