Summary
The pilot reported that he was mustering a herd of cattle and that he was aware of a powerline on the far side of the herd. Without realising that he had crossed the powerline in timbered country, he descended the helicopter in open country to turn the cattle. As he was pulling away from the herd, the skids of the helicopter struck the powerline. The main rotor struck the tail boom and the pilot lost directional control. The pilot closed the throttle and the helicopter landed heavily.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199300422 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 09/03/1993 |
| Location | Carpentaria Downs Station, 250 km north-west of Townsville |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 22/07/1993 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Wirestrike |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Minor |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Bell Helicopter Co |
|---|---|
| Model | 47G-5 |
| Registration | VH-DUS |
| Sector | Helicopter |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Carpentaria Downs QLD |
| Destination | Carpentaria Downs QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |