Northern Territory: 54-year-old man dies in freak accident after helicopter strikes bird at Gapuwiyak
A man has died in a tragic accident after a bird collided with a helicopter mid-air, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in remote northeast Arnhem Land.
The chopper, which was carrying two occupants, was flying near Gapuwiyak around 2pm on Monday when the bird flew into a 54-year-old passenger.
“The impact allegedly caused the bird to fatally strike a 54-year-old male passenger,” Northern Territory Police said.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The pilot was able to land the aircraft safely at the Lake Evella airstrip and was uninjured.
Police officers and St John Ambulance paramedics attended the scene, however, the passenger was declared deceased.
A report will be prepared for the coroner, while the NT WorkSafe and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have been notified of the incident.
