Wirestrike involving a Bell Helicopter Co 47G-5, VH-DUS, Carpentaria Downs Stn, 250 km NW Townsville, QLD on 9 March 1993

The pilot reported that he was mustering a herd of cattle and that he was aware of a powerline on the far side of the herd. Without realising that he had crossed the powerline in timbered country, he descended the helicopter in open country to turn the cattle. As he was pulling away from the herd, the skids of the helicopter struck the powerline. The main rotor struck the tail boom and the pilot lost directional control. The pilot closed the throttle and the helicopter landed heavily.