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Helicopter Forced Landing After Rotor Wake Turbulence Encounter (VH-EWM)

About 15 km north-east of Bankstown Airport, New South Wales

On April 7, 2025, a Robinson Helicopter Co R44 (registration VH-EWM) operated by Bankstown Helicopters Pty Limited was involved in an aviation accident near About 15 km north-east of Bankstown Airport, New South Wales. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The sudden onset of turbulence and uncontrolled descent were likely the result of EWM encountering rotor wake turbulence from a preceding EC120 helicopter. This summary draws on records from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

Sourcesthe Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)Primary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter (registration EWM) experienced heavy turbulence, uncontrolled descent, and low rotor speed while flying in the Parramatta River helicopter lane, leading to a forced landing on the river's shoreline. The ATSB concluded the upset was likely due to rotor wake from a preceding EC120 helicopter.

Incident Overview

Primary radar data and the pilot's report indicated that helicopter EWM entered the Parramatta River helicopter lane and passed over the Ryde Bridge approximately nine seconds behind and slightly below an EC120 helicopter. At that point, EWM encountered heavy turbulence, an uncontrolled descent, and low rotor speed after the pilot applied full collective pitch to avoid colliding with the water. The pilot subsequently conducted a forced landing on the shoreline of the Parramatta River.

Flight and Environmental Conditions

The incident occurred under relatively calm wind conditions. The helicopter EWM was operating in a serviceable condition at the time of the return flight. Subsequent maintenance inspections found no faults with the helicopter.

ATSB Findings

EWM passed over the Ryde Bridge in sufficient proximity to a preceding heavier three-bladed helicopter to be subject to a rotor wake induced upset. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) concluded that the sudden onset of turbulence and uncontrolled descent were likely the result of EWM encountering rotor wake turbulence from the preceding EC120 helicopter.

Probable cause

The sudden onset of turbulence and uncontrolled descent were likely the result of EWM encountering rotor wake turbulence from a preceding EC120 helicopter.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Apr 2025 Robinson Helicopter Co R44 accident near About 15 km north-east of Bankstown Airport, New South Wales?

A helicopter (registration EWM) experienced heavy turbulence, uncontrolled descent, and low rotor speed while flying in the Parramatta River helicopter lane, leading to a forced landing on the river's shoreline. The ATSB concluded the upset was likely due to rotor wake from a preceding EC120 helicopter.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Apr 2025 Robinson Helicopter Co R44 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Apr 2025 involved a Robinson Helicopter Co R44, registration VH-EWM, operated by Bankstown Helicopters Pty Limited, at About 15 km north-east of Bankstown Airport, New South Wales.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The sudden onset of turbulence and uncontrolled descent were likely the result of EWM encountering rotor wake turbulence from a preceding EC120 helicopter.

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