Investigation number
198503517
Occurrence date
Location
66 km SE of Charters Towers
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Serious

After helping to herd cattle to a yard, the pilot turned the helicopter and accelerated away adjacent to a creek. The helicopter struck a powerline, which crossed the creek at right angles, and impacted the ground on its right side. One of the main rotor blades bounced backwards into the cabin and almost severed the pilot's right foot. The powerline was difficult to see against the background of the surrounding countryside. The pilot, who has no memory of the accident, was aware of the location of the powerline but now believes he must have temporarily forgotten about its presence.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Robinson Helicopter Co
Model
R22
Registration
VH-HBL
Operation type
Private
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
St Pauls Station Homestead QLD
Departure time
1015 (Aprx)
Destination
St Pauls Station Homestead QLD
Damage
Destroyed