Investigation number
198903767
Occurrence date
Location
Rocklands Station (167 km NW Mt Isa)
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Miscellaneous - Other
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None
During mustering operations, the helicopter was landed near a fence which had to be opened to allow cattle through. The stockman who was to open the fence required a pair of pliers from the helicopter. As the pilot threw the pliers, one handle caught in his coat sleeve, deflecting them upwards towards the main rotor. Despite the application of left cyclic control, the pilot was unable to prevent the pliers being struck by, and causing substantial damage to, both main rotor blades. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation. The relevant information was provided by the pilot of the aircraft.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Robinson Helicopter Co
Model
R22
Registration
VH-HZA
Serial number
879
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Rocklands Station QLD
Departure time
N/K
Destination
Rocklands Station QLD
Damage
Substantial