The ditching of an R22 helicopter during a Queensland flood rescue highlights the importance of pilots and operators carefully considering risks and alternatives when conducting a mercy flight, an ATSB investigation report details.
On 27 March 2025, mustering company Channel Country Helicopters was requested to assist with the flood evacuation of the town of Adavale, in south-west Queensland, deploying three two-seat R22 light helicopters in response.
After arriving overhead the town, the pilot of one of the helicopters spotted a person stranded on the roof of a demountable building that had a strong flood current flowing around it and, assessing the situation as critical, landed on a flat roof section to pick them up.
Once on board the rescued passenger, who was wearing wet clothing and carrying essential medical gear, put the helicopter about 46 kg over its maximum take-off weight.
That meant that as the helicopter took off and left ground effect, it had insufficient performance available to climb or maintain altitude.
"This was an unfamiliar and demanding rescue operation for the pilot, who, under time pressure due to the perceived imminent risk of a roof collapse, did not assess available performance after boarding a heavier than expected passenger and committed to the rescue with an immediate takeoff," ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
"The operator and pilot felt an understandable and commendable moral obligation to conduct a rescue operation, but they were neither trained nor equipped for such scenarios, and the pilot attempted a take-off with the helicopter significantly overweight."
Mr Mitchell noted the pilot's subsequent actions contributed to a controlled ditching that allowed both occupants to safely exit the helicopter.
"The pilot correctly followed the procedure for low rotor RPM, and made a controlled ditching in the only sheltered area available, in the lee of a building about 60 metres away, allowing the helicopter to remain upright in the otherwise fast flowing water," he said.
After exiting into chest deep water, the passenger avoided the strong current by standing close to the helicopter, but sustained chemical burns from fuel seeping out of the helicopter's tank.
The pilot, meanwhile, attempted to return to the take-off site to retrieve a ladder, but was swept away by the current before finding shelter in a tree about 900 metres downstream.
The pilot was subsequently rescued by a larger helicopter and the passenger was rescued by a police officer, who had commandeered a small motorboat.
Mr Mitchell acknowledged the important role volunteers play in emergency response in Australia, including through mercy flights, which by definition are outside the scope of normal operations for pilots and operators.
"Mercy flights can save lives when dedicated, trained assistance is not available," he said.
"This investigation should not deter pilots and operators from conducting mercy flights, but rather highlight that when responding to an emergency it is important to stop and take a moment to assess risk to the rescuers before assisting others."
You can find here the final report: Ditching in floodwater involving Robinson R22 Beta, VH-KNG, Adavale, Queensland, on 27 March 2025 | ATSB
