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Date:
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Time:
circa 10:55 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
Robinson R22 Beta II
Owner/Operator:
Dash Helicopters Pty Ltd
Registration:
VH-HMJ
MSN:
3709
Year of Manufacture:
2005
Engine Model:
Not specified
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 1
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Substantial
Category:
Accident
Location:
Southport Airport (SHQ/YSPT), Southport, Coombabah, Queensland – Australia
Phase:
Landing
Nature:
Private
Departure Airport:
Not specified
Destination Airport:
Southport Airport, QLD (SHQ/YSPT)
Investigating Agency:
ATSB
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
On October 21, 2025, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter registered VH-HMJ and operated by Dash Helicopters Pty Ltd was involved in a landing accident at Southport Airport, Queensland.
At approximately 10:55am local time, the helicopter lost control during the final landing phase near the Southport Flying Club. Witnesses reported the R22 deviating from its approach path before coming down heavily between a hangar and a boundary fence. The pilot, identified as a 43-year-old man from Jimboomba, managed to extract himself from the wreckage before emergency services arrived.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to its airframe, while the pilot escaped without serious injuries. Emergency crews, including Queensland Fire and Rescue and paramedics, arrived within minutes. The Southport Flying Club activated its crash response protocol, and the pilot was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital for observation.
Club officials described the event as an “extraordinarily lucky” outcome, noting that the helicopter narrowly avoided colliding with nearby hangars and other property. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed it had been notified and is gathering additional information about the occurrence.
Sources:
7NEWS, Southport Flying Club, 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.