SYDNEY: A pilot has died after a helicopter crashed on a remote property in the Australian state of Queensland on Monday morning (April 20), reported Xinhua.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said that the helicopter crashed on a property near the small town of Blackall, over 800 kilometres north-west of Brisbane in the state's livestock farming region, around 9.30 am on Monday.
Emergency services were deployed and the pilot and sole occupant, a 42-year-old man, was declared deceased at the scene.
Local media reported earlier that the man had been hospitalised with critical injuries.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said in a statement that the Robinson R22 helicopter was observed descending rapidly prior to colliding with terrain.
The ATSB has commenced an investigation and said it would send a team to the property on Tuesday to conduct evidence gathering activities, including examining the aircraft, mapping the site and recovering components for further analysis.
"Investigators will also interview any witnesses or personnel involved in the helicopter's operation, and collect relevant recorded information, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information," the ATSB said.
The QPS said that police would assist the ATSB investigation. - Bernama-Xinhua
