Robinson R22 crash near Northern Territory, Australia

A Robinson R22 helicopter experienced a drive belt failure while cruising at approximately 550 feet in northern Australia. The pilot heard a loud slapping noise and felt a vibration from the rear of the helicopter, then observed a rapid decay in main rotor RPM. The pilot initiated an autorotation and when just above tree height, attempted to slow the helicopter and momentarily applied collective to confirm the loss of drive. The helicopter dropped quickly and landed hard, causing the skids to splay and the base of the pilot's seat to compress. The pilot was uninjured but was unable to self-extract before a fire ignited in dry grass around the engine, which subsequently destroyed the helicopter. The ATSB found the accident was likely the result of a drive belt failure.