Have any questions? Call us: Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.
Date:
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Time:
circa 09:45 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
Eurocopter AS 350B3+ Ecureuil
Owner/Operator:
Rotor Solutions Australia Pty Ltd
Registration:
VH-PCO
MSN:
3875
Year of Manufacture:
2004
Engine Model:
Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 (with dual-channel FADEC, modified to B3+ standard)
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 1
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Destroyed (post-impact fire)
Category:
Accident
Location:
Little Billabong, east of Holbrook, NSW – Australia
Phase:
Manoeuvring (agricultural spraying)
Nature:
Agricultural
Departure Airport:
Not specified
Destination Airport:
Not specified
Investigating Agency:
ATSB
Circumstances:
On September 3, 2025, a Eurocopter AS350B3+ Ecureuil helicopter registered VH-PCO and operated by Rotor Solutions Australia Pty Ltd was conducting aerial herbicide spraying operations on a property at Little Billabong, east of Holbrook, New South Wales.
During manoeuvring at low altitude, the helicopter clipped overhead powerlines and subsequently crashed into a paddock. The impact caused a post-crash fire which destroyed the aircraft.
The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained burns in the accident. Emergency services responded promptly, and the pilot was airlifted to Albury for medical treatment.
The ATSB confirmed the helicopter was modified to B3+ standards, powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2B1 engine with dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC).
This accident highlights the persistent hazard of low-level aerial agricultural operations, particularly wire strikes during herbicide spraying.
Sources:
Border Mail – Emergency response east of Holbrook
CASA – Australian aircraft register (VH-PCO)
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.