Total power loss - Bell helicopter TH-1F, VH-LIQ, 56 km south-east of Tamworth Aerodrome, New South Wales, on 8 December 2009

On 8 December 2009, at about 1645 Eastern Daylight-saving Time, a Bell Helicopter Company TH-1F, registered VH-LIQ, was conducting aerial fire-fighting operations south-east of Tamworth, New South Wales (NSW). On approach to a water source, the pilot in command (PIC) noted a loss of engine power. The PIC reported that he lowered the collective2 and rolled the throttle on; however, the engine continued to spool down. The PIC manoeuvred the helicopter to a cleared area and carried out an emergency landing. The helicopter landed heavily and sustained serious damage. The PIC sustained a fractured nose, while the other occupant (second pilot) was uninjured.

At the time of writing this report, the reason for the total power loss was unknown.