TWO KILLED IN CRASH
Whitsunday tragedy as helicopter plunges into sea
TWO people are dead after a helicopter joyride plunged into the ocean in the Whitsundays yesterday afternoon.
The Eurocopter EC120B, operated by Whitsunday Air Services, crashed into the water while attempting to land, about 250m from Heart Pontoon, near Hardy’s Reef, northeast of Hamilton Island just after 4pm.
On board were four people – believed to be international tourists – and a pilot.
TWO people are dead after a helicopter joy ride plunged into the ocean on the Whitsundays yesterday afternoon.
The Eurocopter EC120B, owned by Whitsunday Air Services, crashed into water while attempting to land, about 250m from Heart Pontoon, near Hardy Reef, northeast of Hamilton Island just after 4pm.
On board were four people – believed to be international tourists – and the pilot.
Onlookers performed a daring rescue, pulling the occupants from the water.
With emergency services still more than an hour away, witnesses were forced to perform CPR on two victims while listening to instructions on the phone from paramedics. Despite their efforts, the pair were declared dead soon after.
Three others received minor injuries. The incident happened with- in metres of popular Heart Pontoon – used as a base for scuba divers and snorkellers.
The helicopter was fully submerged.
Whitsunday Air Services said the helicopter was on final approach for a landing at its Hardy Reef Heliport.
“We are extremely saddened by this incident and our deepest condolences are with the families of all of the passengers,” a statement read.
“Whitsunday Air Services is continuing to work with the Queensland Police, the ATSB ( Australian Transport Safety Bureauand) CASA ( Civil Aviation Safety Authority) 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.”
A team of police travelled to the scene via ferry and water police to begin investigations.
The ATSB said investigators would travel to the scene to collect evidence.
“There, investigators will interview witnesses, examine any available recorded data, review operational records and technical documentation among other activities,” a statement read.
“The evidence collection phase will also define the size and scope of the investigation and determine the expected time frame for the completion of a final report. No further information is available at this time.
“Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties.”
Whitsunday councillor Ron Petterson said it was “a sad, heartbreaking day”.
“I ask that we all keep our thoughts and prayers tonight with those involved in today’s tragic accident out at Hardy Reef,” he said.
Yesterday’s fatal crash in the Whitsundays was the region’s second serious chopper incident in four months.
On November 8 a Whitsunday Air Services helicopter was forced to conduct an emergency landing on the water near Hamilton Island.
The Robinson R44 was conducting an afternoon scenic flight with three passengers on board when it suffered engine power loss.
Consequently the pilot initiated a water surface landing from 700 feet using the emergency flotation system attached to the helicopter.
All on board were rescued by the crew of a local vessel about an hour later. The helicopter appeared not to sustain damage, however it later sank and was unable to be recovered.