Darwin doctor: ‘It is a miracle these men are alive’

UPDATE: THE Australian Transport Safety Bureau has commenced an investigation into the Kakadu helicopter crash.

UPDATE: THE Australian Transport Safety Bureau has commenced an investigation into the helicopter crash at Kakadu.

An ATSB spokesman said during aerial work, the helicopter conducted a forced landing, causing substantial damage to the aircraft and serious injuries to the occupants.

“As part of the investigation, the ATSB will interview the crew and obtain other relevant evidence and information,” he said.

The spokesman said a report would be released at the conclusion of the investigation, however, should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB would immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate action can be taken.

EARLIER: IT’S a “miracle” that the three men on board a helicopter which crashed in a remote area of Kakadu National Park have survived, say medical staff.

The crash occurred about 111km south west of Jabiru just after 10am on Tuesday.

Royal Darwin Hospital trauma fellow Angelika Na said two of the men were in a stable condition, and the third had been taken to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.

“Given the severity of the accident it is a miracle these men are alive,” she said.

“I visited them yesterday and this morning, they are in relatively good spirits.

“They are quite lucky to have escaped with minor injuries.”

MORE ON THE KAKADU CRASH

CHOPPER crash patient transferred to Melbourne

INJURED man frees himself from chopper to call for help

ALL Kakadu helicopters grounded as Parks investigates crash

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

Dr Na said it was still early stages of their recovery, and they were still assessing the extent of their non-life threatening injuries.

All helicopters in Kakadu National Park have been grounded and will stay grounded while Parks Australia conducts an investigation into the horrific incident.

The helicopter crashed during an animal control muster in the southern part of Kakadu.

Careflight NT rescue helicopter crewmen flight nurse Paul Campbell and pilot Jamie Humphreys were involved in the rescue of the three men. Picture: Judith Aisthorpe

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Parks Australia director Dr James Findlay said it would conduct a thorough review of the events.

“It was a very experienced pilot and crew — it all happened very, very fast,” he said.

“It was an experienced pilot with two very experienced rangers — (culling) is something we do a lot of and its normally very safe.

“They didn’t get time to get a mayday call out.”

Dr Findlay said after the helicopter went down, one of the passengers managed to free himself and call for help.

It’s understood the other two men were trapped in the helicopter for a long period of time.

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

Dr Findlay said one of the rangers was able to put a voice call out and set off an emergency beacon.

“Air force was the first aircraft on scene, they responded to the beacon,” he said.

“I’m just really glad one of the rangers was able to get out of the chopper.”

Dr Findlay said his priority was now looking after his staff.

“Out of respect for the families, I’m not going to go into too much details, the guys are still in pretty bad shape,” he said.

“It’s spooked everyone.

“I’m just really glad to see the guys today and see them in good spirits.”