Hughes 269C, VH-SBR, 97 km NNE of Kununurra WA, 12 October 1985

198500151

Summary

The pilot was requested, by the passenger, to land the helicopter on the mud flats to the north of Kununurra. He decided to make a run on landing as he believed he may have difficulty in hovering the helicopter. As the aircraft approached the touchdown point, the pilot allowed it to yaw into wind, but it contacted the ground still moving sideways. The left skid caught in the dry mud and the helicopter rolled onto its side. The pilot was inexperienced in the operation of helicopters and had experienced difficulty in hovering the aircraft when he departed Kununurra that morning. The approach to land on the mud flat was poorly planned and the pilot misjudged the altitude of the aircraft during the turn into wind.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 198500151
Occurrence date 12/10/1985
Location 97 km NNE of Kununurra
Report release date 18/03/1986
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Loss of control
Occurrence class Accident
Highest injury level Minor

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Hughes Helicopters
Model 269
Registration VH-SBR
Sector Helicopter
Operation type Charter
Departure point Kununurra WA
Destination Kununurra WA
Damage Substantial