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.