Summary
The pilot was attempting to bring the helicopter to a hover in the lee of a hill, but found that there was insufficient power to arrest the rate of descent. The aircraft struck the ground and rolled over. The pilot reported that the conditions were very windy. The helicopter was reported to have been operating normally prior to the accident. The pilot stated that in attempting to arrest the rate of descent he had inadvertently overpitched the rotors at an altitude from which recovery was not possible. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198703474 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 11/04/1987 |
| Location | Maitland Downs, 130km NW of Cairns |
| Report release date | 24/06/1987 |
| 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 | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Hughes Helicopters |
|---|---|
| Model | 269 |
| Registration | VH-HFC |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Maitland Downs QLD |
| Destination | Maitland Downs QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |