Robinson R22-B, VH-HZA, Rocklands Station (167 km NW Mt Isa) QLD, 14 April 1989

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.