Anna Bay: Four believed dead in helicopter crash
As many as four people are believed to be dead in a helicopter crash near Anna Bay, Port Stephens on Friday night.The pilot was last heard requesting routine visual flight rule navigation 30 minutes before disappearing off the flight radar.
NSW
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As many as four people are believed to be dead in a helicopter crash near Anna Bay in Port Stephens on Friday night.
The pilot was last heard requesting routine visual flight rule navigation 30 minutes before disappearing off the flight radar.
The chopper, VH-UVC, was used as a prop in films and had unique marking to imitate a US Army helicopter.
The aircraft, owned by Brisbane Helicopters, disappeared off the radar at 6.49pm.
The helicopter flight from Coffs Harbour was due to refuel in the Hunter Valley.
Police, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and along with Volunteer Marine Rescue launched a search operation.
A spokesman for Australian Maritime Safety Authority said there had been some debris found but no people had been located.
He said the search would continue throughout the night depending on the weather.
According to a flight tracking website, the helicopter was travelling at about 70 knots and 3500ft before falling at 154 knots.
It had left Coffs Harbour an hour and 26 minutes before disappearing off the radar.
Brisbane Helicopters is owned by David Kerr who couldn’t be contacted for comment.
According to company records Mr Kerr is from Queensland and has been the director of the business since 2012.