A preliminary report revealed during the cruise the pilot detected fumes in the cockpit and noticed the clutch actuator light flicker, followed by an issue with the drivetrain belts.
The pilot conducted a forced landing at the Hamilton Island aerodrome just before 1pm. No one was injured and the aircraft was not damaged in the incident. A charter helicopter was forced to land at Hamilton Island during a scene flight to Whitehaven Beach.
A post-flight inspection revealed a drivetrain belt was missing.
As part of the investigation, ATSB transport safety investigators will interview involved parties, analyse any available recorded data, and examine maintenance records and other relevant documentation.