Collision with terrain involving a Robinson R22 Beta, VH-JNN, 5 km east-north-east of Gamboola (ALA), Queensland, on 11 August 1997

The pilot was moving the helicopter in an attempt to prevent cattle from crossing a water channel. During an attempt to reduce airspeed quickly he flared with a 15 kt tailwind, resulting in the main rotor overpitching. The helicopter was levelled but one skid entered water adjacent to the edge of the stream, and the other skid landed on the bank. The skid in the water sank into the sandy bottom and the helicopter slowly rolled on to its side. Considerable damage was caused to the rotor blades and airframe when the blades contacted the water.

An emergency locator transmitter was carried but did not activate during the impact sequence.