pilotdave69 Posted February 4, 2011 Posted February 4, 2011 Latest Media Releases Police investigate fatal helicopter crash – Cessnock Friday, 04 Feb 2011 12:32pm Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal helicopter crash at Cessnock in the Central Hunter this morning. About 11:45am, police and other emergency services were called to the Cessnock Aerodrome following reports a helicopter had crashed. Upon arrival police found a Robinson R44 helicopter engulfed in flames at the southern end of the airfield after it crashed to the ground and exploded during landing. Two passengers onboard the helicopter died at the scene. Details of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. The male pilot was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics and taken Hospital in a critical condition suffering serious burns. Fire and Rescue NSW and Rural Fire Service officers remain on scene extinguishing the fire while a crime scene has been established with police conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident. All other aircraft have been diverted away from the aerodrome while the investigation continues. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Civil Aviation Authority have been notified about the crash while an officer from the NSW Police Aviation Investigation Branch is also en route to the scene.
dazza 38 Posted February 4, 2011 Posted February 4, 2011 I heard 10 minutes ago on the radio the Pilot is fighting for his life but still hanging in there.
planedriver Posted February 4, 2011 Posted February 4, 2011 Very sad news, but we can only wish for a full recovery for the pilot.
Guest ozzie Posted February 5, 2011 Posted February 5, 2011 Local papers here this morning say it was a 'training refresher' flight. Bi Annual. The instructor (named) was a former Hunter Westpac pilot. Owner of Newcastle Helicopters out of Willy. Helicopter was owned by local Hunter Wine Helicopters. Other deceased (named) was from Mudgee. The pilot (un named) is in John Hunter Hospital. Wittness heard strange noise just before and early investigations indicate catastrophic hyd failure. It was a stinker yesterday and would have been 38/39 at time of accident. light winds.
pilotdave69 Posted February 5, 2011 Author Posted February 5, 2011 That is pretty sad to hear. Feel for their families. This could of been same chopper my wife and i took a joyflight in around April last year over cessnock.
Guest ozzie Posted February 5, 2011 Posted February 5, 2011 Their other 44 was operating yesterday in to the Sting concert, it seemed very busy. (good concert BTW)
Bruce Robbins Posted February 6, 2011 Posted February 6, 2011 The passenger was identified in our local paper as Sam Bateo from Mudgee. Hope that's not the same Sam Bateo from Mudgee that has been on this forum from the beginning. Bruce
Guest ozzie Posted February 6, 2011 Posted February 6, 2011 The passenger was identified in our local paper as Sam Bateo from Mudgee.Hope that's not the same Sam Bateo from Mudgee that has been on this forum from the beginning. Bruce Checked paper and it names the passenger as 21 year old Sam Bateman from Mudgee. He had been flying since a teenager. Sam was the son of real easte agent Hugh Bateman. The instructor was Ivor Durham of Williamtown.
Admin Posted February 7, 2011 Posted February 7, 2011 This is very sad news indeed...Sam has been a regular member of this site since 2006 and was a valued contributor. My heart goes out to Sam's family and friends...fly high Sam
slartibartfast Posted February 7, 2011 Posted February 7, 2011 That is extremely upsetting. Sam was a tireless worker for Mudgee flying, and a really nice guy. He was heavily involved in the Wings, Wheels and Wine every year. He will be sorely missed. Condolences to friends and family. Ross
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