Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigating after helicopter crashes into roof of Mentone home

Investigators have given an update on the circumstances that led to a helicopter’s crash-landing as the student pilot faces an interview.

Investigators believe the student helicopter pilot missed his approach to Moorabbin airport and was performing a “go-around” when he crashed into the roof of a house at Mentone.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating Wednesday’s crash, and will interview the surviving pilot, who remained in a stable condition at The Alfred hospital on Thursday.

He suffered leg injuries when the lightweight Hughes helicopter crumpled and left him trapped on impact.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said: “As part of its investigation, the ATSB will interview the pilot and any witnesses, and obtain and review recorded data, weather information, aircraft information and maintenance records.

“The ATSB will publish a final report, detailing contributing factors and any identified safety issues, at the conclusion of the investigation.

The pilot was trapped in the wreckage. Picture: Nine News

Rescuers work to free the trapped pilot. Picture: Nine News

“However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”

An elderly homeowner was shopping at Bunnings when a helicopter crashed landed on to the roof of her Mentone home of 55 years.

The student helicopter pilot was lucky to survive the dramatic crash at 1pm and spent an hour trapped inside the cabin of the wreckage of the Hughes 300 training chopper before emergency services were able to cut him free.

Emergency crews at the scene. Picture: Nine News

Homeowner Margaret Godfrey was out shopping when her home was transformed into a crime scene.

Her daughter, Meaghan, said her mum was too shaken to talk about the incident.

She is staying with family, while insurance assessors examined the damage at her home on Thursday morning.

“She’s in shock but she’s OK, she’s a bit shaken,” Meaghan Godfrey told the Herald Sun.

“As long as everyone else is safe, that is the main thing.

Fire Rescue Victoria had control of the scene on Wednesday. Picture: Nicki Connolly

The cause of the crash was being investigated. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“Mum certainly didn’t expect to see a helicopter in her roof.

“She’s thankful no one is hurt. It could have been a lot worse.”

Speaking at the crash site, Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Andrew Wise said it was unclear why the helicopter crashed.

“All we know is that there was a single occupant in the helicopter and we are unsure of the cause of the accident at this stage,” he said.

Sgt Wise said the street would be treated as a crime scene until authorities declared it safe for residents to return home.

Firefighters at the scene. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Senior Sergeant Andrew Wise speaking to media on Wednesday. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Rex Asker, 16, said he was riding his bike in the area when he saw the chopper flying extremely low.

“I heard it before I saw it,” he said.

“I thought that sounded pretty close. I heard it clip the house, I heard a crunch.

“I thought, I’ll go suss out. Then I thought ‘Oh s--t, a chopper landed into a house, that’s no good’ and then the sirens started to wail.”

The helicopter was operated by The Helicopter Group, based at nearby Moorabbin Airport.

The son of the company’s director, Michael Van Der Zypp, told the Herald Sun the pilot was “OK”.

“From what I’ve been told he has spoken to his wife, I think he’s all right so far,” Jesse Van Der Zypp said. “My first question is always, is everyone OK. I’m just glad everyone’s OK.”

He said he was unaware precisely what caused the crash, but that both he and his father were relieved the pilot survived.

“It brings back memories for him,” he said. “He is a bit upset.”