Two men killed in Camballin helicopter crash remembered as ‘valued and highly experienced’ pilots
Two men killed in a horrific helicopter crash in WA’s Kimberley region on Thursday have been remembered as “valued and highly experienced pilots”.
The pair, aged 29 and 30, were each piloting a Robinson R22 aircraft that collided shortly after takeoff from Mount Anderson Station in Camballin, 240km east of beach resort town, Broome.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Two men killed as choppers collide taking off in Kimberley.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Pearl Coast Helicopters, which promotes itself online as a specialist in aerial stock mustering throughout the Kimberley, said it is “deeply saddened” by the deaths.
“Pearl Coast Helicopters is deeply saddened to report the tragic loss of two of our valued and highly experienced pilots in a helicopter accident,” the Broome-based operation said in a statement.
“The accident is devastating and we express our condolences to the family and friends of the pilots involved, as well as our team, who are profoundly impacted by this loss.
“Our primary focus is to understand what has occurred and provide support to the families, friends and colleagues of the pilots.”
The company said safety is “always our top priority” and that it is working with investigating authorities.
The incident unfolded on a remote cattle station just before 6.30am as four helicopters prepared to carry out mustering work.
Two other helicopters that were taking off at the same time were not caught up in the crash, although their pilots were among the first on scene and have been commended by police for their actions.
The first officers arrived at the remote crash site about 45 minutes after police were deployed from Broome, Derby and Looma, Kimberley police district superintendent Steve Thompson said.
“This is a tragic incident that has occurred today. Everyone deserves to go to work and come home again safe and sound but, unfortunately, two young men ... have lost their lives,” Thompson said.
Thompson said the men’s families had been informed about the devastating news.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has sent investigators from Perth, Canberra and Brisbane to work out how the crash happened.
A preliminary ATSB report is expected to be delivered in two months.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
