Cause revealed after three people rescued after Katherine helicopter crash

A national safety watchdog has revealed the cause of a helicopter crash in Katherine, where three occupants were rescued by paramedics.

Katherine Gorge at sunrise by Jonathon Hannon.

A helicopter’s engine failure forced a tourism flight to end early, with three passengers rescued from the crash site.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokeswoman said the watchdog had launched an investigation into the incident.

She confirmed a Kawasaki KH-4 helicopter was involved in a “forced landing accident” in Katherine on Wednesday afternoon.

“As reported to the ATSB, during a sightseeing flight the helicopter’s engine failed and the pilot conducted a forced landing, during which the helicopter collided with terrain and was substantially damaged,” she said.

“No injuries were reported to the pilot or passengers.”

St John NT Territory Response Manager Craig Garraway on Thursday said paramedics had taken the helicopter’s passengers to the Katherine Hospital for treatment.