Pilot survives helicopter crash while helping fight bushfire

A helicopter pilot has made a miraculous escape after his chopper ditched into a dam while he was collecting water during a firefighting operation in the Scenic Rim.

The pilot of a firefighting helicopter has made a miraculous escape after his aircraft ditched into a dam while collecting water during an operation in the Scenic Rim.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said the subcontracted helicopter had been fighting fires at Tregony and was hovering close to the water when it hit the surface and rolled at the private dam off Tarome Rd in Tarome.

The chopper refills moments before the crash. Picture: 7 News

The incident happened just before 3pm on Wednesday, with emergency services rushing to the aid of the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft.

It is understood the pilot swam to the surface of the dam after the helicopter crashed into the water and sank.

Dam owner and farmer Evan Choastensen said he witnessed the crash and rushed over to help the pilot, who had been trapped in the helicopter as it began sinking.

“He had gotten his seatbelt off then he was trying to kick out the windows and doors, he then landed on the bottom, had one last try with the door on the far side and got out,” Mr Choastensen said.

“He was wet and smelled like aviation fuel but apart from that, he was good.”

Acting Assistant QFES Commissioner Mark Stuart said the pilot was very fortunate to escape unharmed.

A pilot has escaped after a helicopter crashed into a dam in the Scenic Rim, southwest of Brisbane. Picture: 7 News Queensland

“The pilot, who was sole occupant of the helicopter, managed to escape the wreckage and swim to shore,” he said.

“We haven’t had a comment from the pilot at the moment but he was extremely lucky.

“It highlights the dangers that all our firefighters both on the ground and in the air face.

“He’s very fortunate to be able to get out of the wreckage and swim to shore when the residents of the property were able to render assistance.”

A waterbombing chopper works on a nearby fire in the Scenic Rim on Wednesday. Picture: David Clark

The wreckage of the helicopter, which remains at the bottom of the dam, will be removed in the coming days.

The cause of the crash was yet to be determined.

The incident comes as more than 20 blazes continue to burn across the state, with the weather bureau issuing a dire warning of worse to come entering the warmer months.

The fire the helicopter was attempting to stop has been burning land in the region since last weekend.

QFES said it would now help the Australian Transport Safety Bureau with its investigation into the incident.

The chopper crashed into a dam off Tarome Rd in the Scenic Rim. Picture: 7 News Queensland