Accident Robinson R22 Beta VH-HXM, Thursday 3 October 1996

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Date:	Thursday 3 October 1996
Time:	17:45
Type:	Robinson R22 Beta
Owner/operator:
Registration:	VH-HXM
MSN:	2556
Year of manufacture:	1996
Engine model:	Lycoming O-360-J2A
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Destroyed
Category:	Accident
Location:	15km SSW of Rutland Plains, QLD - Australia
Phase:	Manoeuvring (airshow, firefighting, ag.ops.)
Nature:	Agricultural
Departure airport:	Rutland Plains Station, QLD
Destination airport:	Peartree Yard, QLD
Investigating agency:	BASI
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot was conducting an aerial cattle inspection when he flew the helicopter in a descending right turn into wind. As he began to flare, the engine RPM reduced rapidly. He lowered the collective control and wound on more throttle, but there was no response from the engine. The helicopter rapidly developed a high sink rate which the pilot was unable to arrest completely before the helicopter impacted the ground. The helicopter bounced twice and rolled onto its side.

Accident investigation: