Two experienced helicopter pilots have lost their lives in an in-flight collision in Kimberley region, Western Australia.
Around 6:20 local time (AWST) on July 25, 2024, four Robinson R22 helicopters took off to undertake mustering work near Mount Anderson Station in Camballin, located in the Kimberley region, about 300 kilometers southwest of Broome.
Kimberley District police have reported that, shortly after take-off, two of the helicopters collided. According to local media, at least one of the aircraft caught fire after it crashed to the ground.
Each of the helicopters had one pilot on board. Both men, who died during the crash, were employed by Pearl Coast Helicopters, a family-owned helicopter company in Kimberley region, that focuses on aerial stock mustering.
The crash happened at a remote station and the two other pilots were the first to arrive after the incident. The first police officers arrived at the scene approximately 45 minutes after they were sent from Broome, Derby and Looma.
“This is a tragic incident that happened today. Everyone deserves to go to work and come home again safe and sound but, unfortunately, two young men aged 29 and 30 respectively have lost their lives,” said Steve Thompson, Kimberley Police District Superintendent.
The exact cause of the crash remains unclear and is to be investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The department has stated that a group of investigators from Canberra and Brisbane will be sent to investigate the incident, survey the location and collect other important evidence.
Additionally, the investigators plan to speak with witnesses and examine recorded data of information of the pilots and aircraft, while also evaluating the weather conditions at the time of the collision. The completed investigation report is expected to take around two months.