Collision with terrain involving Robinson R44, VH-HYR, at Yorke Island Airport, Queensland, on 31 March 2026

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a collision with terrain involving a Robinson R44 II, VH-HYR, at Yorke Island Airport, Queensland, on 31 March 2026.

Shortly after take-off at 100 ft AGL, the low rotor RPM horn activated and the pilot conducted an emergency landing on the aerodrome. During the landing, the helicopter collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The investigation is continuing.

To date, the ATSB investigation has included:

• interviewing the pilot of the occurrence aircraft
• examination of maintenance records
• examination of independent engineering report
• images of the wreckage
• reviewing the common traffic advisory frequency recordings
• examination of pilot training and records.

The wreckage was moved to an independent maintenance facility for further analysis.

The draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.

Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release. 

The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.