Police established a crime scene and handed over the investigation to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, which confirmed that the helicopter – a popular model for training flights – collided with terrain.
The site of the fatal helicopter crash at Bankstown Airport. Credit:
“The ASTB has launched a transport safety investigation into a collision with terrain accident involving a Robinson R22 helicopter just outside Bankstown Airport,” the bureau said in a statement.
A team of safety investigators who specialise in operations, engineering and maintenance, from the bureau will be deployed from Canberra and tasked with investigating how the crash occurred.
The scene of the helicopter crash on Friday.Credit: Nine News
“The piston engine helicopter had been conducting a training flight with an instructor and student pilot on board when it collided with terrain and was destroyed.”
“Planned activities include site and wreckage examination, mapping of the site, and recovery of any helicopter components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.”
“Investigators are also collecting relevant recorded information, including any flight tracking data, weather information, and pilot and helicopter maintenance records.”
The man who died is yet to be formally identified. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
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