Eurocopter EC120B crash during aborted landing at Hardy Reef

2 fatalities • Hardy Reef, Queensland, Australia

A charter helicopter struck the water during an aborted landing attempt near the Great Barrier Reef, resulting in two fatalities.

What happened

On March 21, 2018, at approximately 1500 local time, a Eurocopter EC120B helicopter, registration VH-WII, was conducting a charter flight from Hamilton Island Airport to a floating helicopter landing site (HLS) located between Hardy Reef and Hook Reef in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia.

During the flight, the pilot attempted a landing on the floating HLS but aborted the maneuver. During this aborted landing attempt, the aircraft impacted the water, sustaining substantial damage. The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries and 2 minor injuries. The pilot was uninjured.

Probable cause

not provided

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Mar 2018 EUROCOPTER EC120 B accident near Hardy Reef, Queensland, Australia?

A charter helicopter struck the water during an aborted landing attempt near the Great Barrier Reef, resulting in two fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Mar 2018 EUROCOPTER EC120 B accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Mar 2018 involved a EUROCOPTER EC120 B, operated by Whitsunday Air Services, at Hardy Reef, Queensland, Australia.

What was the probable cause of the accident?