Accident Robinson R22 Beta II VH-FHR,
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ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 141596
 
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Date:Tuesday 3 January 2012
Time:11:30
Type:Silhouette image of generic R22 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different    
Robinson R22 Beta II
Owner/operator:Foxling Pty. Ltd.
Registration: VH-FHR
MSN: 3792
Year of manufacture:2004
Fatalities:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Aircraft damage: Destroyed
Category:Accident
Location:45 km ENE of Richmond Airport, QLD -   Australia
Phase: Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:Private
Departure airport:Rainscourt Station, Queensland
Destination airport:Richmond, Queensland (YRMD)
Investigating agency: ATSB
Confidence Rating: Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Narrative:
During the morning of 3 January 2012, the pilot of a Robinson Helicopter Company R22 helicopter, registered VH-FHR, was conducting low-level aerial work along the Dutton River, 45 km east-north-east of Richmond Aerodrome, Queensland. The pilot was the sole occupant.

At about 1130 Eastern Standard Time, when at about 20 to 30 KIAS and 250 ft above ground level, the pilot felt a 'kick' to the helicopter and the machine suddenly yawed to the left. Shortly after, a second 'kick' and yaw occurred, followed by the sounding of the low rotor RPM warning horn. The pilot entered autorotation, and attempted to recover forward airspeed with the little height he had at the time.

The pilot was unable to arrest the helicopter's rate of descent before the machine impacted the sandy river bed heavily, and rolled onto its right side. A post-impact fire commenced immediately, but the pilot was able to egress with minor burns. The helicopter was seriously damaged on impact and subsequently destroyed by the post-impact fire.

The 'kicks' and yaw experienced may have been due to environmental effects such as the effect of the gusting and swirling winds and mechanical turbulence. The pilot sustained minor injuries.

Accident investigation:
cover
  
Investigating agency: ATSB
Report number: AO-2012-006
Status: Investigation completed
Duration:
Download report: Final report

Sources:

1. http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2012/aair/ao-2012-006.aspx
2. http://www.atsb.gov.au/media/3605246/ab2012044.pdf#page=60

Revision history:

Date/timeContributorUpdates
04-Jan-2012 23:43 RobertMB Added
27-Apr-2014 01:06 Dr. John Smith Updated [Time, Location, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative]
09-Jun-2022 11:29 Ron Averes Updated [Location]

Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description

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