All Kakadu helicopters grounded as Parks investigates crash

ALL helicopters in Kakadu National Park have been grounded and will stay grounded while Parks Australia conducts an investigation into yesterday’s horrific crash, the NT News can confirm

ALL helicopters in Kakadu National Park have been grounded and will stay grounded while Parks Australia conducts an investigation into yesterday’s horrific crash, the NT News can confirm.

“We’re undertaking a detailed review,” Parks Australia director Dr James Findlay said.

“Choppers are an essential part of the park’s operations.”

He said the crash took place in a remote area of the park just after 10am Tuesday during an animal control muster in the southern part.

“We undertake regular feral animal culls,” Dr Findlay said.

“We had two choppers in the air undertaking a cull of buffalo.

“They operate quite close to the ground to ensure a humane death.”

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Dr Findlay said after the crash, one of the passengers was able to extract himself from the helicopter and call for help.

“The others were trapped inside them for quite a while,” he said.

“It was quite a dense (vegetation) area.

“We have two other helicopters on scene fairly quickly with the help of the Defence Force.”

Dr Findlay said they were able to locate the helicopter quickly, but it took a while to safety remove the injured men.

One of those on board in the crash is believed to be esteemed Kakadu National Park ranger Fred Hunter.

Kakadu National Park ranger Fred Hunter was seriously hurt in a helicopter crash in Kakadu. Picture: Facebook. ART: LOUIS MARQUEZ

In a post on Facebook Mr Hunter’s brother-in-law said he believed the injuries sustained included broken bones.

“Hi family and friends … I’m afraid my bro in law Fred Hunter has gone down in this incident,” read the post from Andy Ralph. “All three occupants conducting the Parks Feral Shoot (shooter, spotter, pilot) all (sic) Medevaced to RDH. Injuries include broken bones apparently … let’s hope the rest of them OK.”

Two passengers were Kakadu National Park staff members and one an external contractor, a Parks Australia spokesman said.

Three men flown to hospital after helicopter crash in Kakadu CREDIT: CAREFLIGHT

Dr Findlay said counsellors for park staff were being flow in to Kakadu today to provide assistance to staff.

“Parks Australia is like a big family,” he said.

“Obviously this does affect everyone — it’s rocked people.

“These events are always crazy. The safety of staff and visitors is a priority for the park.”

Dr Finlay is at Royal Darwin Hospital today offering support to the injured workers and their families.

One worker has now been transferred interstate for specialist treatment.

A Top End Health spokeswoman said he was picked up from RDH about 7am this morning, and would be taken to The Alfred Hospital.

“Two patients remain in Royal Darwin Hospital. At this point neither will be sent interstate,” she said.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it was waiting on further details before deciding on an investigation into the crash.