Roger Nowland killed in Limbunya Station Robinson R22 helicopter crash

A “true legend” of the Australian aviation community has been remembered by school friends and colleagues after he died in a helicopter crash. Read how he is being honoured.

Helicopter pilot Roger Nowland died when his chopper went down over a remote cattle station.

Long-time pilot Roger Nowland has been remembered as a “true legend” and a “beautiful man” after he was tragically killed in a helicopter crash at a remote cattle station.

Mr Nowland was undertaking a routine mustering operation at Limbunya Station near the West Australian border on Tuesday when his Robinson R22 crashed.

Police were notified of the incident about 12.20pm and he was reported dead at the crash site.

He grew up in the town of Junee in the Riverina region of NSW and went to the Eurongilly Public School, leaving an impression on many of his former schoolmates.

Helicopter pilot Roger Nowland died when his chopper went down over a remote cattle station.

A Top End Mustering spokeswoman expressed sadness at the loss of their colleague who was regarded as a mentor for many young pilots.

“Roger is remembered by his family, friends and colleagues as a kind, talented and thoughtful human being,” she said.

“He was considered a mentor to many young pilots and known for the genuine care he always expressed for his colleagues.

“Roger was a modest fellow, particularly given his status as a true legend of the Australian aviation industry.

“He had an enduring love of the Kimberley Region which he shared with so many.

“Top End Mustering is devastated by the passing of their great friend and colleague and are focused on working closely with relevant authorities through their investigation process.”

NT Cattlemen’s Association chief executive Will Evans said it was “devastating” to lose someone with Mr Nowland’s level of experience.

“The NTCA would like to send its deep condolences to the family, friends, and station crew, who will be struggling at this difficult time,” Mr Evans said.

“Chopper pilots are often the unsung heroes of the pastoral industry, who contribute enormously to what we do.

“We simply wouldn’t have the industry we have today without them.”

One school friend posted on Facebook saying the news was heartbreaking and Mr Nowland had been involved in lots of school memories.

“Even though I haven’t seen Rog for many years, this news is so sad and tragic, heartbreaking,” the friend said.

“Roger was a gentleman, just like his dad Wes, who was a wonderful role model to so many of his young students.

“I remember his mum Heather telling me once that his appetite was so ravenous during his early teenage years that she used to fill him up with mashed potato.

“Lots of school memories for a lot of us. RIP Rog. Flying with the angels now thinking of their families and all his treasured loved ones.”

Some of Roger Nowland’s friends took solace in the fact he died doing what he loved.

Others expressed their sadness, with many taking solace in the fact Mr Nowland died doing what he loved the most.

“It is tragic, he did die doing what he loved the most, if he had to die then that would have been his choice for sure,” they said.

Mr Nowland was also remembered by the mustering community with Top End Mustering sending their “deepest condolence to the family and friends”.

A member of the community responded saying they were “devastated”.

“Such a loss to the entire community. We lost a legend today,” they said.

Mr Nowland is survived by his partner Sally, two children, Katie & Robert, and sisters, Sandra & Debi.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and NT Police are investigating the incident, and NT WorkSafe has been informed.