Accident Details
On March 21, 2018, at approximately 1500 local time, a Eurocopter (Airbus Helicopters) EC120B helicopter, registered VH-WII, sustained substantial damage when it impacted water during an aborted landing attempt on a floating helicopter landing site (HLS). The HLS was located between Hardy Reef and Hook Reef, within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia.
Operator and Flight Information
The helicopter was operated by Whitsunday Air Services Pty Ltd and had departed from Hamilton Island Airport, Queensland, on a charter flight destined for the floating HLS.
Occupant Injuries and Damage
The commercial pilot was uninjured. Two passengers received minor injuries, and two passengers were fatally injured. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.
Meteorological Conditions
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Investigation Jurisdiction
The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Australia. This report contains only information released by the Government of Australia. Further information may be obtained from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).