Investigation number
AO-2025-018
Occurrence date
Location
15 km north-east of Bankstown Airport
State
New South Wales
Report status
Pending
Investigation level
Short
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation phase
Final report: External review
Investigation status
Active
Aviation occurrence category
Control issues
Forced/precautionary landing
Turbulence/windshear/microburst
Warning devices
Occurrence class
Serious Incident
Highest injury level
None
Anticipated completion

The ATSB is investigating a forced landing involving a Robinson R44 helicopter, registered VH‑EWM, 15 km north-east of Bankstown Airport, New South Wales, on 7 April 2025

During an air transport flight, while cruising at 500 ft, the helicopter encountered turbulence and lost altitude. The pilot manoeuvred the helicopter toward a nearby beach and as the helicopter approached the beach, the low rotor RPM warning activated. The pilot then conducted a forced landing on the beach.

The draft report internal review process has been completed. The draft report has been distributed to directly involved parties (DIPs) to check factual accuracy and ensure natural justice. Any submissions from those parties will be reviewed and, where considered appropriate, the draft report will be amended accordingly.

Following the external review process, any submissions and amendments to the draft report are internally reviewed. Once approved, the final report is prepared for publication and dissemination and released to DIPs prior to its public release.

The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.

Last Updated
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Robinson Helicopter Co
Model
R44
Registration
VH-EWM
Aircraft Operator
Bankstown Helicopters Pty Limited
Serial number
1394
Operation type
Part 133 Air transport operations - rotorcraft
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Bankstown Airport, New South Wales
Destination
Bankstown Airport, New South Wales
Damage
Nil