Collision with terrain - Aerospatiale AS332 (Super Puma), VH-LAG, Port Keats Airport, Wadeye, Northern Territory, on 21 July 2011

On 21 July 2011, at 1630 Central Standard Time, the crew of a Super Puma helicopter, registered VH-LAG (LAG), was taxiing in the vicinity of two parked aircraft on the apron at Port Keats Airport, Northern Territory when the main rotor blades contacted a light pole. As the main rotor disintegrated, the helicopter was propelled towards the pole and rolled onto its left side. The aircraft was seriously damaged including significant disruption to the cockpit area.

The two crew members and three of the four passengers sustained minor injuries. Three bystanders also sustained minor injuries and one of the parked aircraft and four parked vehicles were damaged by flying debris.  

As a result of this accident, the helicopter operator conducted an internal investigation that produced a number of recommendations addressing operations to remote airfields, obstacle separation standards and emergency management.