Fatal Robinson R44 Terrain Collision Near Bulli Tops, Australia

Incident Overview and Casualties On March 21, 2013, at approximately 1207 local time, a Robinson Helicopter R44 with registration VH-HWQ collided with terrain near Bulli Tops, Australia. The aircraft was conducting a personal cross-country flight from Bankstown, New South Wales, to Bulli Tops, New South Wales, under the provisions of the Australian Civil Aviation Regulations. The pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries, and the helicopter was destroyed. ## Operational and Environmental Conditions Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The primary wreckage was located at coordinates -34.3147 degrees south latitude and 150.9128 degrees east longitude. ## Preliminary Sequence of Events Preliminary information from the government of Australia indicated that shortly after landing, the helicopter lifted off and turned to the right. During this maneuver, the main rotor struck branches of a nearby tree. The helicopter then descended and rolled over onto its right side. A fire started on the grass under the rotor mast and the cabin. ## Investigation Authority The accident is under the jurisdiction of, and is being investigated by, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, reference 201302720. The report contains only information obtained for, or released by, the Government of Australia.