The helicopter was conducting a charter flight from Gladstone to Heron Island. Midway through the flight the helicopter experienced a compressor failure and the pilot advised that he was returning to Gladstone. A short time later the helicopter ditched into the sea. The helicopter was recovered 5 kilometres north east of Facing Island in 24 metres of water. The pilot along with two passengers drowned with one surviving.

Asia Pacific assisted the widow and children of the pilot.