What happened
On 24 January at 0900 local time, the pilot of a Robinson R22 Beta helicopter was conducting cattle mustering operations at a private property near Theodore, Queensland.
During a low-level manoeuvre, the pilot attempted to block a herd of cattle running alongside a fence line when the helicopter’s tail rotor contacted the top wire of the fence, resulting in the helicopter rotating rapidly. The pilot observed an immediate lack of tail rotor authority[1] and estimated the helicopter rotated 2 or 3 times. With insufficient height to recover the helicopter safely, the pilot conducted a forced landing next to the fence line. To reduce the severity of the helicopter’s rotating motion during the forced landing, the pilot closed the throttle and applied cyclic[2] to keep the helicopter level while descending. Prior to contact with the ground, the pilot raised the collective[3] to try to soften the landing. The helicopter landed hard resulting in the skids splaying outwards. The main rotor subsequently contacted the tail boom and the cockpit windscreen shattered (Figure 1). The pilot extracted themself from the helicopter and waited nearby for assistance.
Figure 1: Forced landing site
Source: Operator
As a result of the accident, the pilot sustained several fractured vertebrae. At the time of the occurrence, the pilot was wearing a flight helmet.
Safety message
Helicopter mustering is an operation that carries increased risk, particularly when manoeuvring at low level. Ground obstacles are hazards that pilots must actively monitor to ensure adequate separation from the aircraft. An inadvertent collision with an obstacle at a low level limits the available safety margins for recovery or time to execute emergency procedures.
In the case of this occurrence, the pilot’s immediate response followed the Robinson R22 emergency procedure for a loss of tail rotor effectiveness as stated in the R22 Pilot’s Operating Handbook. These actions likely reduced the severity of the accident and the injuries sustained by the pilot.
A similar occurrence the ATSB investigated into a Tail rotor strike involving Robinson R22 Beta II, VH-HGE, 58 km north-west of Anthony Lagoon, Northern Territory, on 1 July 2025 (AO-2025-035) discusses the benefits of conducting recency training for emergency procedures.
About this report
Decisions regarding whether to conduct an investigation, and the scope of an investigation, are based on many factors, including the level of safety benefit likely to be obtained from an investigation. For this occurrence, no investigation has been conducted and the ATSB did not verify the accuracy of the information. A brief description has been written using information supplied in the notification and any follow-up information in order to produce a short summary report, and allow for greater industry awareness of potential safety issues and possible safety actions.
[1] Lack of tail rotor authority: a lack of thrust produced by the tail rotor to counter the torque produced by the main rotor.
[2] Cyclic: a primary helicopter flight control that is similar to an aircraft control column. Cyclic input tilts the main rotor disc, varying the attitude of the helicopter and hence the lateral direction.
[3] Collective: a primary helicopter flight control that simultaneously affects the pitch of all blades of a lifting rotor. Collective input is the main control for vertical velocity.