Summary
Witnesses reported that pilot of the Bell 47 was conducting cattle mustering operations. He departed on a short flight to check for stray cattle on the side of a hill, opposite to where the main mob was located. A short time after the helicopter disappeared from view, the sound of an impact was heard. A search revealed that the helicopter had struck a single wire earth return (SWER) power line which was suspended between a post on top of the hill and another post well left of the probable flight path. One of the landing gear skids had caught the wire, upsetting the helicopter, and causing it to enter uncontrolled flight. It was not determined whether the pilot was aware that there was a wire in the area.
This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199803878 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 19/09/1998 |
| Location | 2 km W Kajabbi |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 03/08/1999 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | 47 |
| Registration | VH-JGO |
| Serial number | VH-JGO |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | 10 NM SW Kajabbi |
| Destination | 10 NM SW Kajabbi |
| Damage | Destroyed |