Collision with terrain - 7 kms north-north-west of Hornsby, New South Wales, VH-NBP, Bell 206B

On 1 March 2008, at about 1300 Eastern Daylight-saving Time the pilot of a Bell Helicopter 206B Jetranger III was flying over a property on a private flight with four passengers. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter flying over the property at about 100 ft above ground level. At the completion of one pass, the helicopter was observed by witnesses on the ground to bank steeply to the left, roll out and descend into surrounding trees. The helicopter impacted the trees and was seriously damaged. One of the occupants was discovered outside the helicopter and all sustained serious injuries.

Examination of the wreckage did not indicate any mechanical defects that would have affected the safe operation of the helicopter.