Accident Robinson R22 Beta VH-HLB, Tuesday 27 February 1990

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Date:	Tuesday 27 February 1990
Time:	07:10
Type:	Robinson R22 Beta
Owner/operator:
Registration:	VH-HLB
MSN:	981
Engine model:	Lycoming O-360-J2A
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	42km NW of Katherine, NT - Australia
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:	42km NW of Katherine, NT
Destination airport:	42km NW of Katherine, NT
Investigating agency:	BASI
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The helicopter was engaged in a cattle mustering operation when the spotter asked the pilot to herd cattle towards the stockyards. During this operation, the spotter realised the helicopter was flying straight ahead, descending slowly, instead of turning towards the herd. The spotter then noticed that the pilot was busy moving the pedals and cyclic control. The main rotor then impacted the overhanging canopy of a large tree and the spotter jumped from the helicopter. The main rotor stopped when it struck the trunk of the tree and the helicopter fell to the ground, coming to rest on its right side. The pilot, who had remained in the helicopter, was killed on impact.

Accident investigation: