In response to the unanticipated rapid yaw, the pilot lowered the collective but was unable to recover the situation.
During the go-around, after the helicopter climbed to about 30–40 ft, there was a sudden and rapid yaw to the left. When the helicopter was yawing left into position, just over the pontoon, the pilot noticed a message illuminate on the helicopter’s vehicle engine multifunction display (VEMD), and elected to conduct a go-around. The pilot was then planning to yaw the helicopter left into the intended landing position, and there was about 20 kt crosswind from the right of the intended position. During the approach, the pilot slowed the helicopter to allow birds to disperse. The pilot conducted the approach to the pontoon landing site at Hardy Reef into wind. On board were the pilot and four passengers. On 21 March 2018, a Eurocopter EC120B helicopter, registered VH-WII and operated by Whitsunday Air Services, departed Hamilton Island Airport, Queensland on a charter flight to Hardy Reef. Voluntary - REPCON Rail Confidential Reporting Scheme.Mandatory - Rail accident or incident notification.Voluntary - REPCON Marine Confidential Reporting Scheme.Mandatory - Marine accident or incident notification.Marine safety investigations and reports.Flight Crew Licence Verification Letter.Voluntary - REPCON Aviation Confidential Reporting Scheme.Mandatory - Aviation accident or incident notification.Aviation safety investigations & reports.Railway accident guidelines for operators.Information for police and coronial officers.Transport Safety Investigation Regulations.Transport Safety Investigator qualifications.Information Publication Scheme - Agency Publication Plan.Child Safety Framework Commitment and Statement of Compliance.Show - Main navigation Hide - Main navigation