Loss of control and collision with terrain involving a Robinson R22, near Greenvale Airport, Queensland, on 24 August 2026

What happened

On 24 August 2026, the pilot and sole occupant of a Robinson R22 helicopter was returning to base after conducting commercial cattle mustering in the area. The helicopter pad used for take-off and landings was a large concrete slab, slightly elevated above the ground (Figure 1). Upon landing, the pilot recalled that one of the helicopter skids caught the raised edge of the pad and the helicopter entered a spin. At this point, the pilot lost control of the helicopter and the tail rotor collided with terrain. The helicopter then tipped to the right, and the fuselage collided with the helicopter pad resulting in substantial damage. The pilot received minor injuries (bruising) in the accident. 

Substantial damage to the major components included the:

• main rotor blades and gearbox
• fuel tanks
• tail rotor assembly and gear box (detached)
• airframe panels on belly and pilot (right) side.

Figure 1: Landing location

The pilot advised the ATSB that their recollection of the events leading up to the accident was limited. They reported that the quick loss of control following the initial skid catch offered little time to perceive the events and attempt to prevent the resulting collision with terrain.

Dynamic rollover

A helicopter with one skid contacting the ground or a fixed object introduces the susceptibility for an uncontrolled lateral rolling movement around the skid known as ‘dynamic rollover’. As discussed in Aviation Brief AB-2026-039, once the critical rollover angle (specific to the helicopter) is passed, the main rotor thrust continues the roll and recovery is not possible. In dynamic rollover, a pilot’s instinct is to apply opposite cyclic input to rectify the lateral roll, however, once the critical roll angle is exceeded, cyclic inputs may be ineffective. Pilots should smoothly reduce the collective at the onset of lateral rolling movement around the skid.

Safety message

Helicopter landing locations can present unique hazards to pilots. Inadvertent contact of a helicopter’s skid can quickly lead to a serious outcome with minimal time afforded to pilots to attempt corrective action and recover the helicopter. 

Pilots should therefore have a thorough understanding of the principles and contributing factors of dynamic rollover, as well as the recovery methods, as described in the Robinson Helicopter Company’s Safety Notice SN-9.

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.