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