Summary
Soon after lifting off, the helicopter yawed suddenly to the right. There was no response to rudder inputs by the pilot, but he was able to hold the helicopter in a level attitude as it descended to the ground. The main rotor blades came into contact with the boom and both skids were bent during the ground impact. The pilot was able to safely exit the aircraft. Later examination found that the rear most section of the tail rotor drive shaft had disconnected at the tail rotor gearbox input.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199503011 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 28/08/1995 |
| Location | Rolleston (ALA) |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 25/09/1995 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Transmission and gearbox |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | 47G-3B1 |
| Registration | VH-ANG |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Roma QLD |
| Destination | Rolleston QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |