Five killed in horror helicopter crash in Victorian mountains

The search for survivors following a helicopter crash in Victoria has ended in tragedy, with a pilot and four passengers confirmed dead.

The search for survivors following a helicopter crash in Victoria has ended in tragedy, with a pilot and four passengers confirmed dead.

The helicopter disappeared near Mount Disappointment at around 9am on Thursday.

Police launched a massive search effort, locating the wreckage shortly before midday, roughly 40km north of Melbourne.

Those on board were a 32-year-old man from Cheltenham, a 50-year-old woman from Inverloch, a 73-year-old man from Albert Park, a 59-year-old man from NSW and a 70-year-old man from NSW.

Victoria Police confirmed the five deaths on Thursday evening.

Police launched a search effort for the helicopter after it was reported missing on Thursday morning. Picture: Jason Edwards

The helicopter crashed in dense bushland roughly 40km north of Melbourne. Picture: Nine News

The chartered helicopter was one of two that took off from Moorabbin Airport before picking up passengers about 7am.

The flight was destined for Ulupna in northern Victoria.

Operating the two flights was helicopter company Microflite, which expressed its condolences to the families of those involved.

The company’s executive general manager, Rodney Higgins, spoke to media prior to news of the deaths.

“I extend my deepest condolences to all affected by this incident, who we’re supporting at this very difficult time,” he told reporters.

Mr Higgins said the company had notified emergency services immediately after the aircraft went missing.

“We will of course work with all relevant authorities to conduct a very comprehensive investigation into what has occurred,” Mr Higgins said.

“The safety and wellbeing of all of our passengers and people is our highest priority and we have very stringent safety protocols in place.”

Rescuers were winched from a police helicopter down to the wreckage. Picture: Jason Edwards

An extensive ground and air effort was required to reach the remote crash site.

Rescuers had to be winched from a police helicopter down to the wreckage.

A recovery operation was supported by the State Emergency Service and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, including clearing a path to the crash site with bulldozers and an excavator.

The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined and will be investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Originally published as Five killed in horror helicopter crash in Victorian mountains