Helitak Chopper down on South Coast

[MarkR]

Seeing reports that a BK117 from Sydney Helicopters has hit a tree and there is one deceased, possibly VH-JWB. Sad news.

[Philip Argy]

Details are here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-17/waterbombing-helicopter-crash-nsw-south-coast-woodstock/10133264

From the video footage there appear to be wires that have fouled the rotor.

Five ATSB investigators are en route.

[AdamC]

Sad story, considering i watched this aircraft depart this morning to ulladulla.

https://www.9news.com.au/2018/08/17/14/43/helicopter-crash-nsw-south-coast-woodstock-shoalhaven

[Philip Argy]

It appears that the water bucket snagged in a tree and brought the chopper down. The pilot died in the line of duty trying to help the local community. It really isn't fair.

[Garry Emanuel]

Thoughts are with the family of the pilot for their unfortunate loss and also with those in the communities that are being affected by the fires that I believe we're likely to see more of this coming summer.

Hoping that the increased incidences of bushfires doesn't give rise to a corresponding increase in unfortunate incidents such as this.