What happened
On Saturday, 27 May 2023, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter registered VH-CQH and operated by Western Lamb Co. Pty. Ltd. was involved in a landing accident at Wagga Wagga Airport, New South Wales. The aircraft, manufactured in 2022, was conducting autorotation training when the incident occurred.
At approximately 11:05 am local time, the helicopter made a heavy landing on the runway while practising autorotation procedures. The hard descent resulted in significant structural damage to the aircraft and ignited a post-impact fire in the helicopter's rear section. The sole occupant, the pilot, sustained minor injuries during the landing.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was notified of the occurrence and commenced gathering information about the accident.