Forced/precautionary landing involving a Hughes Helicopters 369D, VH-NLJ, 61 km north-west of Nowra Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 27 November 1997

The helicopter was involved in bushfire control when the pilot reported that the engine suddenly lost power at a height of about 150 ft above trees. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful and a forced landing was carried out amongst small trees. Substantial damage was incurred during the forced landing and the pilot sustained minor injuries. The helicopter was subsequently destroyed by the bushfire.

The pilot later reported he had refuelled the helicopter with 300 lbs of fuel about 15 minutes before the accident. Fuel checks at the time indicated that the fuel was not contaminated. The remainder of the fuel, the fuel filter and refuelling equipment at the base, were subsequently checked after the accident and were reported to be clean. As the engine was extensively damaged by the bushfire, the reason for the failure was not determined.