LEGAL STORIES AND INSIGHTS FROM BREWERWOOD.

On the morning of May 1, 2025, a Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter operated by Helicopter Adventures Pty Ltd crashed into shallow waters near Point Lonsdale, Victoria, seriously injuring all three occupants.

The aircraft went down approximately 30 to 50 meters offshore around 10 a.m. Emergency services, including Victoria Police, Fire Rescue Victoria, and Ambulance Victoria, responded promptly to the scene. Two individuals—a woman in her 40s and a man in his 50s—were airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital, while a 53-year-old man was transported by road to Geelong University Hospital. All are reported to be in stable condition.

Senior Station Officer Mathew Kneebone from Fire Rescue Victoria noted that initial responders faced challenges accessing the crash site due to difficult terrain, requiring assistance from bystanders and surf lifesavers to relocate the injured as the tide rapidly rose.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that the helicopter experienced engine failure, leading to the emergency water landing . The ATSB will examine the wreckage, interview witnesses, and review maintenance records to determine the cause of the crash.

The highly skilled attorneys at the BrewerWood law firm have nearly 60 years of combined experience representing victims of helicopter and airplane accidents in the USA and globally. The BrewerWood law firm has resolved several cases against Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), three (3) within the last year.  BrewerWood has handled, and resolved, fuel system and blade failure/mast-bumping (most recent) matters with RHC.  BrewerWood has intimate knowledge of Robinson helicopter’s designs – from the blades to the skids.  If you, or your family member has been involved in a Robinson helicopter accident, there is no representation better than BrewerWood.

Oftentimes, the cause of an aircraft crash is not clear even after government investigators complete their investigation. And, in many instances, investigators are quick to blame a crash on pilot error or weather conditions when, in fact, some other cause resulted in the crash. Time and time again, the attorneys at BrewerWood have uncovered that the true cause of an aviation crash was a faulty part, a faulty system, or faulty design of the aircraft which can mean that a product manufacturer can be held responsible for the crash. BrewerWood’s attorneys personally and fully investigates each and every aviation crash with a team of the top aerospace and aviation experts independent of the findings by government investigators. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident before critical evidence is lost or memories fade. If you or a family member has been a victim of an aircraft accident, please contact the attorneys at BrewerWood for a free consultation.

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Article Sources:

https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/504051

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/02/helicopter-crashes-into-ocean-off-victorian-coast

https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/8956725/three-people-rescued-from-seaside-helicopter-crash/

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-02/emergency-services-responding-to-helicopter-crash-near-geelong/105243204