The identities of the two pilots who died after their helicopters collided shortly after takeoff in the Kimberley region of Western Australia have been revealed.
Peter Ritter, 29, and Gavin U’Ren, 30, were killed at Mount Anderson Station in Camballin while herding cattle at around 6.20am local time on Thursday.
At least one of the helicopters caught fire after crashing into the ground.
It took emergency services about 45 minutes to reach the scene of the accident due to the remote location of the station.
The men worked for Broome-based helicopter company Pearl Coast Helicopters.
‘Pearl Coast Helicopters is deeply saddened to report the tragic loss of two of our valued and experienced pilots in a helicopter accident at Mount Anderson Station today.
‘The accident is devastating and we express our condolences to the family and friends of the drivers involved, as well as to our team, who are deeply affected by this loss.
Just weeks before the tragedy, Mr. U’Ren spoke about his love of helicopters in an interview with Farm Weekly.
Gavin U’ren, victim of a helicopter accident
Peter Ritter, victim of a helicopter accident
“Watching them work and ride around in helicopters from time to time made me realize that this was what I wanted to do,” U’Ren said in her recent interview.
“Making friends with some of the pilots, seeing the life they lead, moving around and seeing incredible landscapes was what confirmed it.”
WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
“This is a tragic incident that occurred today, everyone deserves to go to work and return home safely, but unfortunately two young men, aged 29 and 30 respectively, have lost their lives,” WA Police Superintendent Steven Thompson said.
‘On behalf of the WA Police Force, I would like to express my condolences to the family, friends, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives today. I can only imagine the pain and suffering they are going through.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will also conduct an investigation into the incident and will send a team of investigators to the scene of the accident.
“They will undertake a range of evidence gathering activities, including examination of the wreckage and mapping of the site, and will recover all relevant components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facility in Canberra,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
Two pilots have died after two helicopters collided shortly after takeoff near Mount Anderson Station (pictured) in Western Australia’s Kimberley region on Thursday morning.
The location of the crash site near Mount Anderson Station in Camballin in WA is shown
‘Investigators will also seek to interview witnesses and collect relevant recorded data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records and meteorological information.’
Mr Mitchell said an interim report would be published in about two months and the final inquiry would take place later.
“However, if a critical safety issue is identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify the relevant parties so that safety measures can be taken,” it said.
The Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company manages the indigenous-owned cattle station, which is located about 120 kilometres south of Derby.