Hard landing involving a Robinson R22 Beta, VH-FHE, Camfield Station, 185km SE Kununurra, Aerodrome, NT on 22 May 1996

The pilot reported that he was manoeuvring the helicopter, during cattle mustering, at low altitiude and slow speed when the aircraft flew out of translational lift. The helicopter, which was about 10 ft above the ground, descended rapidly and landed heavily. The rotor rpm, which had declined during the descent, recovered to normal after landing. An inspection disclosed damage to one skid and the lower airframe as well as some rippling of fuselage panels. The loss of height occurred too quickly for the pilot to take sufficient corrective action. The loss of rotor rpm indicates the pilot may have overpitched the main rotor system.