ATSB issues preliminary report on fatal R22 helicopter crash
By Andrew Curran.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its preliminary report following the in-flight break-up of a Robinson R22 helicopter in central Queensland on 20 April 2026.
The helicopter, VH-ESG (msn 4120), crashed approximately 42 kilometres south-east of Jericho (YJCO), killing the pilot, who was en route to a cattle mustering job.
While the preliminary report does not contain any findings, investigators identified damage to the main rotor blades, tail boom, and other components that indicated the main rotor had struck the tail boom in flight.
Flight tracking data showed the helicopter had been cruising at approximately 2,400 feet above sea level before entering a steep descent.
When staff on the ground noticed the helicopter's disappearance, they notified other pilots in the area, who quickly located the wreckage in open farmland. The pilot was already deceased.
"Impact damage limited the extent to which any pre-existing defects could be identified. However, from the evidence available, no engine, flight control, or structural issues were identified," ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said in a statement issued on 11 June.
Both fuel tanks had ruptured due to impact forces but there was no post-impact fire.
"Areas of further investigation will include pilot records and medical information, maintenance records, and weather information, as well as further analysis of tracking data from the helicopter," he added.
The helicopter, manufactured in 2007, had been operated by Tambo-based B&T Philp Pty Ltd, trading as 3 Rivers Helicopters, since 2017. At the time of the accident, it was flying from Tambo to a property near Jericho, approximately 150 kilometres away, for the day's mustering operations.
Weather conditions on the day were generally favourable, although there was some low-level cloud and fog in the area. Other pilots flying from the operator's base in Tambo reported a distinct inversion layer at about 400 feet above ground level and another inversion layer approximately 100 feet above that.
The ATSB will continue its investigation to establish the factors that contributed to the accident.
"Our final report, containing findings and the analysis supporting them, will be released at the conclusion of the investigation," Mitchell said.
You can read the preliminary report here.
Photos: ATSB
Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com