Investigation number
198400051
Occurrence date
Location
Wyena Station, 37 km NW of Moranbah
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None
The pilot reported that, shortly after commencing to cruise at about 750 feet agl, the helicopter encountered a willy willy and was thrown almost upside down. During the recovery actions, right pedal was applied rapidly and the operating cable broke. An auto-rotational landing was initiated but, just prior to touchdown, another willy willy struck the helicopter and it landed while spinning under the influence of this disturbance.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Hiller Aviation
Model
UH-12
Registration
VH-FBH
Operation type
Business
Departure point
Wyena Station, QLD
Departure time
1328
Destination
Broadmeadow Station, 22 km N of Moranbah, QLD
Damage
Substantial