Collision with terrain involving a Kawasaki Heavy Industries 47G3B-KH4, VH-ATU, 10 km north of Happy Valley Resort, Fraser Island, Queensland, on 27 June 1994

The helicopter had been chartered to transport persons associated with a Fraser Island resort to the area of the wreck of the "Maheno". After picking up a third passenger at the resort the helicopter headed north along the beach, flying passed the wreck, before heading in a southerly direction prior to commencing the approach to land.

The pilot stated that he was making an approach over the water to land on the beach to the north of the wreck when, at about 30 feet above sea level, he felt a "stiffness" in the cyclic control as he attempted to move it forward. Before he was able to access the situation, the helicopter descended into the water. The aircraft remained upright, and all the occupants evacuated and made their way to the shore. The helicopter was subsequently rolled onto its side as a result of wave action.

Inspection of the wreckage and testing of the hydraulic components of the helicopter could find no fault with either the aircraft or the hydraulic system. The reason for the reported control stiffness could not be determined.