Robinson R22 Beta, VH-JNA, Carse'Ogowrie Station, Queensland

The crews of two helicopters had been engaged in survey work. On the morning of the accident, the second helicopter became unserviceable. The pilot and passenger, in conjunction with the pilot of the grounded helicopter, decided to continue on their own. About 45 minutes after commencing the flight, the helicopter flew up a dry creek line and struck a high-voltage single wire powerline. The line severed the flying controls at the mast. All control was then lost and the helicopter crashed into the dry creek bed.

When electrical power was lost at the cattle station homestead, search parties were sent in both directions along the powerline. The wreckage of the helicopter was found about 45 minutes after the power was lost.

The span of the SWER (single wire earth return) line struck by the helicopter was 490 m and was strung between two hilltops. The point of impact was approximately 40 m above the creek bed and about 20 m above the general tree canopy. This was the pilot's second day at the station. He was not familiar with the area south of the homestead which included the crash site.

Significant factors

The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident:

1. The pilot was flying the helicopter at low level in a survey/mustering operation.
2. The second helicopter which had been used for lookout duties was unserviceable.
3. The pilot was unfamiliar with the area.
4. He did not see the SWER line in time to avoid a collision.
5. Control of the helicopter was lost when the wire cut control rods.