Summary
Circumstances:
The helicopter was flying at about 25 knots and a height of about 75 feet, 10 feet to the left of power lines. The passenger was surveying the wires. As the helicopter approached a tree line, the pilot increased collective. However, rotor RPM decayed, and the helicopter descended rapidly, hitting the ground and rolling over.
Significant Factors:
The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the accident
1. The pilot overpitched the main rotor, resulting in a loss of rotor RPM.
2. Insufficient height was available for the rotor RPM to recover before the helicopter struck the ground.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199000025 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 06/11/1990 |
| Location | Oberon |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report release date | 13/07/1992 |
| 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 | Bell Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | 47 |
| Registration | VH-UAF |
| Serial number | 7546 |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Oberon NSW |
| Destination | Oberon NSW |
| Damage | Substantial |