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Date:
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time:
Not specified
Type of Aircraft:
Robinson R22
Owner/Operator:
Not specified (operating from Rutland Plains Station, MDH Pty Ltd)
Registration:
Not specified
MSN:
Not specified
Year of Manufacture:
Not specified
Engine Model:
Not specified
Fatalities:
1 / Occupants: 1
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Destroyed
Category:
Accident
Location:
Yagoonya, near Normanton, QLD – Australia
Phase:
Unknown
Nature:
Private / Agricultural (station operations)
Departure Airport:
Not specified
Destination Airport:
Not specified
Investigating Agency:
Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit and ATSB
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
On October 9, 2025, a Robinson R22 helicopter crashed near Rutland Plains Station at Yagoonya, approximately 400 km north of Normanton and 600 km west of Cairns, in Queensland’s remote Gulf of Carpentaria region.
The helicopter was reported missing after failing to return to the station on Thursday evening. A search and rescue operation was launched by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Queensland Police, involving an AMSA Challenger Jet and Rescue 510 helicopter.
The wreckage was located the following morning, with the 27-year-old pilot, who was the sole occupant, found deceased at the crash site. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed that investigators would work alongside police to gather evidence from the scene, interview witnesses, and examine flight tracking, maintenance, and weather data. A report for the coroner will be prepared.
The aircraft was reportedly operating on behalf of Rutland Plains, a major pastoral property owned by MDH Pty Ltd, one of Australia’s largest beef producers.
Sources:
ABC Far North, Queensland Police, AMSA, ATSB
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.