What happened
On March 21, 2013, at approximately 12:07 local time, a Robinson R44, registration VH-HWQ, crashed into terrain near Bulli Tops, Australia. The helicopter was performing a personal cross-country flight from Bankstown, New South Wales, to Bulli Tops under visual meteorological conditions.
According to preliminary information from the Australian government, the helicopter had recently landed and then lifted off again. During a right turn following takeoff, the main rotor struck tree branches. This impact caused the aircraft to descend and roll onto its right side. A fire subsequently ignited in the grass beneath the rotor mast and the cabin. The accident resulted in 4 fatal injuries to the pilot and three passengers, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
The accident is being investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.