April 2
An ADF Sea-King Helicopter operating from HMAS Kanimbla anchored off Nias island in Indonesia and assisting with emergency relief for victims of the recent earthquake crashed while attempting to land on a football field
 
The helicopter circled twice and when on final approach and about 30 metres prior to landing the engine apparently ceased operating and the Sea-King impacted the ground nose down

 
A number of Nias locals helped in rescuing 2 men before the aircraft burst into flames around 5 minutes later - 9 out of 11 POB lost their lives
 
The 2 surviving military personal were treated for fractures on HMAS Kanimbla a short time later
 
Media reports indicate the pilot may not have had sufficient time or height to carry out a successful "auto-rotation" (emergency landing) - the reported nose down pitch just prior to impact is part of the requirement to maintain rotor speed for control