Helicopter crash: Emergency services, police responding to incident in northern Tas

An experienced helicopter pilot from northern Tasmania has died after crashing into a paddock this afternoon while working to help fight bushfires. SEE DETAILS >>

An experienced helicopter pilot has died after crashing into a paddock this afternoon, Tasmania Police say.

The 41-year-old northern Tasmanian man was helping efforts against a bushfire burning for several days in the Lebrina area when he crashed the aircraft into a paddock near Pipers Brook in northern Tasmania.

Emergency services and police were called to the crash site about 3.20pm Monday.

The pilot, who was the only occupant of the Helitak heavy bomber, was critically injured before he passed away at the scene.

Tasmania Fire Service Acting Deputy Chief Jeff Harper said being an aircraft pilot over a bushfire was an “incredibly difficult” task requiring a high level of training.

“From my understanding he was an experienced helicopter pilot involved with multiple (previous) Tasmanian incidents,” Mr Harper said.

“He’s been working tirelessly to keep Lebrina and Piper’s Brook communities safe over the past couple of days.”

Inspector Nathan Johnston of the Launceston division said the deceased was believed to be a national subcontractor rather than a Tasmania Fire Service employee.

Inspector Johnston said the man’s next of kin had been notified and said his “thoughts are with the man’s family”.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the incident, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Anyone who may have seen the helicopter near Pipers Brook before the crash is urged to call Launceston Police on 131 444 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or

Helicopter crash: Emergency services, police responding to incident in northern Tas

A man has reportedly died in a helicopter crash on Monday afternoon.

The latest official Tasmania Police report is that the pilot of the helicopter was critically injured after crashing in a paddock, but the Mercury understands the man has since died.

Emergency services and police were called to the crash site near Pipers Brook Rd, Pipers Brook in northern Tasmania about 3.20pm Monday.

Tasmania Police said initial investigations suggested the man had been supporting bushfire efforts near Lebrina.

Tasmania Fire Service Acting Deputy Chief Jeff Harper said his thoughts were with the man’s family and loved ones amid the “tragic incident”.

“Our thoughts are also with our people and others who have been working very closely with the man involved to help fight the Lebrina fires,” Mr Harper said.

“We will be working with police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and other authorities so that this incident is fully investigated.

Mr Harper said the pilot had been “working hard to fight the Lebrina fires to help our community”.

“Understandably this is a very distressing incident for everyone involved and we will be ensuring our people have access to all available support,” he said.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is expected to investigate the incident.

It comes as TFS has issued an advice level message for Pipers Brook, Lebrina, Wyena, Golconda and Surrounds.

“There is no immediate threat,” TFS said.

“The fire is travelling south west towards Pipers Brook Rd.”

Conditions are expected to be changeable, while well prepared homes may be defendable.

“Monitor conditions, and if they get more dangerous, and you are not well prepared, plan to go to a safer place,” TFS said.

TFS is attending the bushfire with Sustainable Timber Tasmania and Reliance Forest Fibres.

Anyone who may have seen the helicopter near Pipers Brook before the crash is urged to call Launceston Police on 131 444 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au

Helicopter crashes on North East Tasmania fire ground

A helicopter has crashed in a paddock this afternoon, with police and emergency services responding to the incident.

Initial reports indicate the helicopter had been responding to a bushfire in Lebrina in the North East when it crashed in northern Tasmania.

Tasmania Police cannot confirm anyone is injured at this stage.

More information is expected to be released as it becomes available.