03-21-2018, 08:54 PM
Fatal Whitsundays helicopter crash -
Via the Courier Mail:
Two dead in helicopter crash at Hardy Reef North Queensland
Chris Clarke, Kate Kyriacou, Sophie Chirgwin with AAP, The Courier-Mail
10 minutes ago
TWO people have died in a helicopter crash off Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands, the company that owns the stricken vehilce has confirmed.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority says five people were aboard the Eurocopter 120 which went down near Hardy Reef pontoon at about 4.30pm on Wednesday. One person is in a serious condition while the two others have escaped with minor injuries.
In a statement, the company that owns the helicopter, Whitsunday Air Services, confirmed the fatalities.
“Whitsunday Air Services can confirm that a tragic accident involving a Whitsunday Air Services helicopter carrying four passengers and one crew member has occurred at Hardy Reef today,” the statement said.
“The accident occurred while the helicopter was on final approach for a landing at it’s Hardy Reef Heliport and resulted in two fatalities and two passengers sustaining minor injuries.
“We are extremely saddened by this incident and our deepest condolences are with the families of all of the passengers. Whitsunday Air Services is continuing to work with the Queensland Police, the ATSB and CASA to assist with their investigations.
“Whitsunday Air Services will be suspending all operations while a full review process is undertaken. Further information will be released in due course.”
Hardy Reef site of helicopter crash
The helicopter went down about 250m from Hardy Reef pontoon, a structure used as a base for scuba divers and snorkellers, which is located about 65 kilometres northeast of Hamilton Island.
The helicopter was fully submerged after hitting the water but it is understood all five on board – the pilot and four passengers – were able to escape or were pulled from the wreckage.
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics were expected to arrive via helicopter at about 6pm but provided witnesses with instructions on how to perform CPR over the phone before their arrival.
Police are en route, with a team of detectives travelling to the pontoon via ferry and water police via the QPV Damian Leeding.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said investigators would soon travel to the scene to collect evidence.
“There, investigators will interview witnesses, examine any available recorded data, review operational records and technical documentation amongst other activities,” a statement read.
“The evidence collection phase will also define the size and scope of the investigation and determine the expected timeframe for the completion of a final report. No further information is available at this time.
The helicopter crashed at Hardy Reef, 65km northeast of the Whitsundays. FILE PICTURE
“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties.”
It’s unclear at this stage if the flight was a private charter to the popular tourist destination but at least one helicopter tour operator in the region operates the type of aircraft involved in the accident.
Councillor Ron Petterson at Whitsunday Regional Council took to Facebook expressing his sympathies for those involved.
“I ask that we all keep our thoughts and prayers tonight with those involved in today’s tragic accident out at Hardy Reef. A sad heartbreaking day...” he said.
MTF...P2
Via the Courier Mail:
Two dead in helicopter crash at Hardy Reef North Queensland
Chris Clarke, Kate Kyriacou, Sophie Chirgwin with AAP, The Courier-Mail
10 minutes ago
TWO people have died in a helicopter crash off Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands, the company that owns the stricken vehilce has confirmed.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority says five people were aboard the Eurocopter 120 which went down near Hardy Reef pontoon at about 4.30pm on Wednesday. One person is in a serious condition while the two others have escaped with minor injuries.
In a statement, the company that owns the helicopter, Whitsunday Air Services, confirmed the fatalities.
“Whitsunday Air Services can confirm that a tragic accident involving a Whitsunday Air Services helicopter carrying four passengers and one crew member has occurred at Hardy Reef today,” the statement said.
“The accident occurred while the helicopter was on final approach for a landing at it’s Hardy Reef Heliport and resulted in two fatalities and two passengers sustaining minor injuries.
“We are extremely saddened by this incident and our deepest condolences are with the families of all of the passengers. Whitsunday Air Services is continuing to work with the Queensland Police, the ATSB and CASA to assist with their investigations.
“Whitsunday Air Services will be suspending all operations while a full review process is undertaken. Further information will be released in due course.”
Hardy Reef site of helicopter crash
The helicopter went down about 250m from Hardy Reef pontoon, a structure used as a base for scuba divers and snorkellers, which is located about 65 kilometres northeast of Hamilton Island.
The helicopter was fully submerged after hitting the water but it is understood all five on board – the pilot and four passengers – were able to escape or were pulled from the wreckage.
Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics were expected to arrive via helicopter at about 6pm but provided witnesses with instructions on how to perform CPR over the phone before their arrival.
Police are en route, with a team of detectives travelling to the pontoon via ferry and water police via the QPV Damian Leeding.
Quote:
ATSB
✔
@atsbinfo
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will be investigating the collision with water of a single-engine EC120B helicopter which occurred in the vicinity of Hardy Reef, north-west of Hook Island, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland this afternoon. Read More: https://www.facebook.com/atsbgovau/photo...=3&theater …
7:44 PM - Mar 21, 2018
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said investigators would soon travel to the scene to collect evidence.
“There, investigators will interview witnesses, examine any available recorded data, review operational records and technical documentation amongst other activities,” a statement read.
“The evidence collection phase will also define the size and scope of the investigation and determine the expected timeframe for the completion of a final report. No further information is available at this time.
The helicopter crashed at Hardy Reef, 65km northeast of the Whitsundays. FILE PICTURE
“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties.”
It’s unclear at this stage if the flight was a private charter to the popular tourist destination but at least one helicopter tour operator in the region operates the type of aircraft involved in the accident.
Councillor Ron Petterson at Whitsunday Regional Council took to Facebook expressing his sympathies for those involved.
“I ask that we all keep our thoughts and prayers tonight with those involved in today’s tragic accident out at Hardy Reef. A sad heartbreaking day...” he said.
MTF...P2