Hard landing involving a Bell 47G-5, Parafield Airport, South Australia, on 7 September 2026

What happened

On 7 September 2026, at Parafield Airport, South Australia, a pilot was undergoing a proficiency check flight with an instructor in a Bell 47G-5A helicopter. At about 1130 local time, the helicopter was taxiing to the north of the airport when the pilot flying reported encountering control issues in the hover. The pilot elected to conduct a running landing and then assess the control issues encountered while on the ground.

During the running landing, the pilot reported they misjudged the helicopter’s proximity to the ground resulting in the helicopter touching down hard on the taxiway. As a result, the main rotor disk flexed and struck the helicopter tail boom section. The tail rotor assembly separated, and the main rotor sustained various chip and split damage associated with a main rotor tail strike (Figure 1). The left horizontal stabiliser was also cut from the helicopter (Figure 2). After the helicopter came to rest, a fuel leak was detected. The pilot and instructor were not injured.

Figure 1: Main and tail rotor damage

Figure 2: Left horizontal stabiliser 

Running landing

A running landing is a shallow approach manoeuvre conducted by helicopter pilots utilising the effects of translational lift.¹ The helicopter lands with significant forward motion and maintains some forward motion after touching down. The landing method can be used during various emergency situations including jammed anti-torque pedals, hydraulic failure or when a pilot encounters a lack of power to sustain the helicopter in a hover.

Safety message

Pilots should have a thorough understanding of the correct running landing technique to ensure the manoeuvre is carried out safely. Maintaining sufficient ground speed and rotor RPM to remain in translational lift decreases the risk of an abrupt or hard landing. It is equally important to continuously monitor the helicopter’s proximity in relation to the ground to allow for a smooth touchdown. As highlighted by this occurrence, an abrupt or hard landing may result in the main rotor blades flexing and striking the tail boom. 

In addition, pilots should be aware of the issues associated with excessive aft cyclic² inputs to correct forward nose pitching movements while conducting the manoeuvre. The main rotor blades may contact the tail boom if the rotor disk aft pitch is excessive.

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.

1. ^    Translational lift: occurs when clear, undisturbed, air flows through the rotor system from wind or forward speed.
2. ^    Cyclic: a primary helicopter flight control that is similar to an aircraft control column. Cyclic inputs tilt the main rotor disc, varying the attitude of the helicopter and hence the lateral direction.