During aerial fire control operations, at about 1956, the helicopter collided with water and came to rest inverted resulting in minor injuries to the three crew and damage to the helicopter.   Three on board swam to safety.

Date:

28 January, 2019

Reg:

N173AC

Make:

Sikorsky

Model:

S64

MSN:

64015

Location:

near Jericho (Gippsland)

Country:

Australia

Civil / Military:

Civil

Operator:

Kestrel-Aviation

Link:

http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2019/aair/ao-2019-008/

Link:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-29/firefighting-water-bomber-helicopter-crashes-in-gippsland-dam/10757292