Loss of control involving a Bell 206L LongRanger, Weipa Aerodrome, Queensland, on 27 March 2026

What happened

On 27 March 2026, a Bell 206L helicopter was being used to transport a passenger to a remote telecommunications work site. The helicopter made a refuelling stop at Weipa Aerodrome, where the passenger was disembarked to a safe location for the refuelling. In preparation for the subsequent departure, the pilot conducted a visual inspection down both sides of the helicopter, including rechecking the fuel cap was secured and the bowser was safely stowed.

As the pilot initiated the hover for take-off, the passenger notified the pilot that the ground (tie-down) cable was moving while, simultaneously, the helicopter rolled onto its left side, due to the left skid becoming caught on the cable. The pilot and the passenger were able to exit the helicopter uninjured, however the helicopter was substantially damaged.

Figure 1: Aircraft damage

Source: Queensland Police, edited by the ATSB

Safety message

In this occurrence, the proximity of the ground tie-down cable to the helicopter’s skid was not identified during the visual inspection prior to departure from the refuelling stop. Given the significance of the consequences when a skid becomes stuck on an object during take-off, the ATSB emphasises the importance of pilots conducting thorough visual checks when parking helicopters in the vicinity of potential hazards. 

About this report

Decisions regarding whether to conduct an investigation, and the scope of an investigation, are based on many factors, including the level of safety benefit likely to be obtained from an investigation. For this occurrence, no investigation has been conducted and the ATSB did not verify the accuracy of the information. A brief description has been written using information supplied in the notification and any follow-up information in order to produce a short summary report, and allow for greater industry awareness of potential safety issues and possible safety actions.