Investigation number
198602327
Occurrence date
Location
Camden
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Hard landing
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The aircraft had recently been sold, and had been ferried from Moorabbin to Camden by the previous owner, Mr Bird. The Chief Flying Instructor for the company which had purchased the aircraft arranged to be taken for a re-familiarisation flight, as he had not flown the type for almost one year. During a practice autorotative landing, the helicopter fell heavily to the ground from a height of about 6 feet. The tail boom was severed and the bubble canopy was shattered. The matter of which pilot was in command and which was manipulating the controls has not yet been resolved. Each pilot denied that he was manipulating the controls at the time of the accident. There had evidently been an inadequate briefing as to individual responsibilities during the flight. During the autorotation, whichever pilot was at the controls misjudged the height of the helicopter when the flare was commenced.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Bell Helicopter Co
Model
47
Registration
VH-OCT
Operation type
Private
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Camden NSW
Departure time
1430
Destination
Camden NSW
Damage
Substantial