Man miraculously survives chopper crash on Western Downs

A man is fighting for life and has been flown to hospital in a critical condition after the small helicopter he was piloting clipped powerlines on the Western Downs.

A man has been flown to hospital in a critical condition following a light aircraft crash on the Western Downs.

Emergency services received calls for help about 9.15am following reports of the crash in Grosmont, north of Miles.

It’s understood a small helicopter may have collided with powerlines, forcing the chopper to the ground near Ryals Rd and Perretts Rd.

The pilot, believed to be in his 20s, was mustering cattle and was the only person on board.

The Toowoomba-based RACQ LifeFlight Rescue crew has airlifted a pilot to hospital. Picture: Courtesy RACQ LifeFlight Rescue

The Queensland Ambulance Service attended the scene within minutes, where they assessed a man for suspected spinal injuries.

RACQ LifeFlight Rescue pilot Hamish Fenton-Taylor said the man was fortunate to have survived.

“He’s lucky to be alive,” he said.

The RACQ LifeFlight Rescue aeromedical crew landed close to the scene a short time after the mustering chopper crashed.

The injured man was airlifted to Toowoomba Hospital with LifeFlight’s Critical Care Doctor and a QAS Flight Paramedic on board. .

The Forensic Crash Unit is assisting other agencies with the investigation.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesperson confirmed the safety agency was aware of the incident.

“The ATSB has been notified of an incident involving a Robinson R22 helicopter which impacted terrain during mustering operations,” the spokesperson said.

“The ATSB is currently gathering further information to inform its decision regarding a potential investigation.”