Loss of control during mustering involving a Robinson R22 Beta, near Elliott, Northern Territory, on 28 March 2026

What happened

On 28 March 2026 at approximately 1400 local time, a Robinson R22 Beta was conducting commercial aerial mustering operations near Elliott, Northern Territory. As the helicopter was mustering cattle into a yard at about 20 ft above ground level (AGL), the tail of the helicopter contacted the ground, resulting in a loss of control. The pilot reported that they cut the throttle to settle the helicopter, landing upright but with a ‘slight yaw to the right’. As the ground underneath was uneven, the helicopter subsequently rolled over, coming to rest on its right side (Figure 1).

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, cockpit window, fuselage and tail rotor. The pilot received minor lacerations and was taken to hospital for further assessment.

Figure 1: R22 resting position

Source: Operator

Safety message

This incident highlights that low-level flying operations have a lower margin for error with minimal time to recover the aircraft in the event of a loss of control. 

Low-level flying, particularly during aerial mustering operations, is inherently high risk and therefore requires effective risk management. This should include a risk assessment to consider the hazards common to the type of operation, as well as specific to the location, to develop mitigations and reduce the chance of an accident occurring.

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.