Collision with terrain - Robinson R22, VH-CME, 93km north of Julia Creek, Queensland, on 7 November 2011

On 7 November 2011, the pilot of a Robinson Helicopter R22 Beta, registered VH-CME, was conducting cattle mustering operations on a station property about 93km north of Julia Creek, Queensland. The pilot was the sole occupant of the helicopter.

The pilot's task was to locate and muster cattle through a gate into the adjacent paddock.  Whilst manoeuvring the helicopter to land at about 5 ft above ground level, the helicopter's main rotor blade struck the ground. The pilot was not injured, however the helicopter was seriously damaged.

Mustering at low level has an inherent risk profile that requires a high level of awareness by the pilot. Mustering without any assistance from ground personnel, increases that level of risk.