Summary
The helicopter was weaving back and forth driving cattle. Height was about 30 ft and airspeed about 25 kt. The pilot heard a loud bang and believed the engine had failed. An autorotation was carried out into trees. The cause of the loud bang and the power loss reported by the pilot could not be determined. There was no suitable area available for the subsequent autorotational landing initiated by the pilot.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198300025 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 03/05/1983 |
| Location | 40 Km East of Emerald QLD. |
| Report release date | 08/03/1984 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Minor |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Hughes Helicopters |
|---|---|
| Model | 269 |
| Registration | VH-CHN |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | River-Lea Station |
| Destination | Riverside Station |
| Damage | Substantial |