WPR13WA157

On March 21, 2013, about 1207 local time, a Robinson Helicopter R44, VH-HWQ, collided with terrain near Bulli Tops, Australia. The pilot was operating the helicopter under the provisions of the Australian Civil Aviation Regulations. The pilot and three passengers sustained fatal injuries; the helicopter was destroyed. The personal cross-country flight departed Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia, en route to Bulli Tops, New South Wales, Australia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The primary wreckage was located at -34.3147 degrees south latitude and 150.9128 degrees east longitude. Preliminary information received from the government of Australia indicated that shortly after landing, the helicopter lifted off and turned to the right. The main rotor struck branches of a nearby tree, and the helicopter descended and then rolled over onto its right side. A fire started on the grass under the rotor mast and the cabin. The accident is under the jurisdiction of, and is being investigated by, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, reference 201302720. Further information can be obtained from: Australian Transport Safety Bureau 15 Mort Street, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia P.O. Box 967, Civic Square ACT 2608, Australia Phone +61 2 6230 4408 Fax +61 2 6274 6434 Web site www.atsb.gov.au This report is for information purposes only, and contains only information obtained for, or released by, the Government of Australia.