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Kununurra is a town in mourning following a tragic helicopter crash on Saturday morning. A pilot and three employees of the Ord River District Cooperative are believed to have died instantly when their Robinson 44 plunged to the ground only a few kilometres from Carlton Hill Homestead. Kununurra Police report that early investigations suggest two helicopters on private charter left Kununurra at 5.15am on Saturday morning. They were headed up to an area near Cape Domett on what was believed to be a fishing expedition. At about 10.50am, as they were returning to Kununurra, one helicopter was about one minute ahead of the other. Police believe the leading aircraft received a radio call from the one behind and, as it turned to investigate, occupants saw thick black smoke billowing from the ground. After flying over the crash site the surviving aircraft pilot radioed Air Search and Rescue, which in turn alerted Kununurra police. |
The helicopter returned its passengers to Kununurra and immediately returned to the crash site with medical staff and police. It was confirmed that there were no survivors. Police mounted an around-the-clock security operation at the site as investigators were flown in. Late on Tuesday forensic experts and Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators were still combing the area for clues as to what caused the accident. Debris and wreckage will be removed for further study. The crash site is 23 nautical miles north west of Kununurra. On Tuesday police had not formally identified the bodies and could not release the names of the victims. However, as the numerous condolence messages in this week's Kimberley Echo show, the majority of Kununurra people already know the identities of the deceased. |
They were pilot Kim Rankin, David Plunkett, David Gammond and Ray Furness. All four men were extremely popular Kununurra residents and their passing has cast a pall of sadness over Kununurra. Heliwork chief pilot John McAuliffe released a statement on Monday saying: "The management and staff of Heliwork WA are devastated following the tragic accident which claimed four lives near Kununurra on Saturday. "Our sincere sorrow and sympathy is extended to all families involved in this tragic loss. "The accident is under investigation by Australian Transport Safety Bureau experts from Canberra and we are unable to make any further comments regarding the incident until investigations are complete." |