Grosmont helicopter crash: Pilot flown to Toowoomba Hospital

A young helicopter pilot suffered serious injuries after he struck powerlines on the Western Downs, with emergency crews saying he was lucky to survive. LATEST DETAILS:

A pilot aged in his 20s has been rushed to hospital after a horror helicopter crash on a Western Downs property.

Emergency services were called to the incident just after 9am, with reports a helicopter struck powerlines while mustering cattle on a property near Grosmont, 90km north of Miles.

Paramedics treated the pilot and sole occupant of the helicopter at the scene near Ryals and Perretts Roads.

The pilot reportedly managed to extricate himself from the wreckage.

He was then flown to Toowoomba Hospital in a serious but stable condition with chest injuries.

“He’s lucky to be alive,” said RACQ LifeFlight Rescue pilot Hamish Felton-Taylor.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed the Forensic Crash Unit was assisting other agencies in the investigation.

She said initial investigations indicate the helicopter was mustering cattle on the property when it struck powerlines and impacted the ground.

The aircraft has sustained significant damage in the incident.

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.”