Navy helicopter crashes near HMAS Creswell

Initial investigations have revealed the possible cause of a defence helicopter crash off the coast of Jervis Bay. Read why 10 ADF personnel on board were able to ‘walk away’.

A faulty main rotor could be to blame for a defence helicopter crash off the coast of Jervis Bay.

The MRH-90 Taipan was ditched just off Green Patch beach about 9pm on Wednesday near HMAS Creswell during counter-terrorism training. All 10 people on board survived the crash.

Campers staying at the nearby campsite said the crash could be heard from their tents.

“We couldn’t see the actual chopper itself crash, but we did see sparks above the water through the trees,” camper Mitchel Creed said.

“Then there was this loud bang and splash and well, you know what we were thinking then.”

Another camper, Vanessa Plough said they saw multiple helicopters flying at “tree level” before the crash occurred.

“We had a feeling it was just a regular training exercise, since we’re so close to the navy base,” she said.

“They were flying so low and at one point, we saw a helicopter which had about six people hanging from it as it flew.”

Campers and media have gathered at the site of the crashed helicopter. Picture: Tom McGann

Camper Daniel McNeil said he did not know anything had happened until this morning.

“I went for a walk along the beach with my dog and I was like, ‘is that a helicopter?’,” he said.

In the nearby town of Hyams Point, residents said they could hear a nearby bang at 9pm.

“Oh yeah, we heard a loud splash,” George Karine said.

“I keep reading that it wasn’t that bad, but to have heard it here, about five kilometres away from Green Patch, it must have been a decent splash.”

Mr Karine said he had seen “about half a dozen” helicopters flying over his home throughout the day.

“I had a feeling it may have been a training exercise gone wrong,” he said.

An Australian Defence spokesperson said floating orange pontoons were installed around the helicopter to stop it from drifting out to sea.

According to the spokesperson, preparations are being made to remove the helicopter, however it may take “days to weeks”.

The crashed helicopter at Jervis Bay has not stopped people from going for a swim. Picture: Tom McGann

Speaking to media on Thursday morning, Defence Minister Richard Marles said there were only two “minor injuries” in the crash.

“Everyone has been able to walk away,” he said.

“One (person) hit their head and another person took on some sea water, but they’re being looked after.

“Essentially, people have been able to get out of this without any serious injury.”

Mr Marles said initial investigations pointed to a loss of power in the main rotor.

“The crew were able to shut the engine down and ditch the aircraft into Jervis Bay in a way where it was able to keep the aircraft upright,” he said.

Speaking to Channel 7’s Sunrise, Mr Marles confirmed there would be a “pause” on the use of MRH-90s, but did not confirm how many aircraft were affected.

“This class of helicopter we are actually replacing with Blackhawks in the coming years, so it is due for retirement,” he said.

“Having said that, it is a modern airframe. I’ve flown aboard one of these and it’s a helicopter which has given good service to our Defence Force over a significant period of time.”

People are gathering around to see the crashed helicopter at Jervis Bay. Picture: Tom McGann

Assistant Defence Minister Matt praised the actions of the crew during the crash.

“I think it’s a testament to the skill and competence of the crew that they were able to ditch that helicopter safely in what was very trying circumstances and in the dark over the water,” he told Sky News on Thursday morning.

“Full credit to the crew and thankfully they’re safe.”

In a statement, Defence Media confirmed all 10 Australian Defence Force personnel on board the aircraft were recovered.

They were being assessed by medical personnel at HMAS Creswell, which is south of Nowra.

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC, thanked emergency responders for their quick action.

“Tonight quick responses from ADF personnel and emergency services and well drilled teams prevented a potential tragedy,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident to determine the cause and ensure the platform remains safe to operate.”

HMAS Creswell is the home of the Royal Australian Naval College, the naval training academy for the Royal Australian Navy.

The ADF personnel were conducting a routine counter-terrorism training activity near Jervis Bay when the incident occurred.

The incident site is being contained by Australian Federal Police and port services personnel.