Two men killed in helicopter crash in Australia

A tragic accident involving two Robinson R22 helicopters has resulted in the deaths of both pilots after a collision at a cattle station in Western Australia's Kimberley region.

The incident occurred shortly after take-off at Mt Anderson Station, located near Camballin and east of Broome, at approximately 6:20 a.m. on July 25, Caliber.Az reports per foreign sources.

The victims, a 29-year-old and a 30-year-old man, were piloting the helicopters which were engaged in cattle mustering activities. The collision happened when the aircraft were among four that had departed around the same time.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the crash following notification by WA police. An investigator from the ATSB's Perth office, along with additional team members from Canberra and Brisbane, will be dispatched to the site to conduct a thorough examination.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stated, "The ATSB is deploying a team of transport safety investigators with expertise in aircraft operations and maintenance to the site. Their tasks will include wreckage examination, site mapping, and the recovery of relevant components for further analysis at our technical facilities in Canberra."

Mitchell added that investigators will also interview witnesses, gather recorded data, and review pilot and maintenance records as well as weather conditions relevant to the incident.

A preliminary report, which will provide factual information from the initial phase of the investigation, is expected to be released in approximately two months. A final report, detailing the analysis and conclusions of the investigation, will follow upon its completion.

The collision has cast a shadow over the otherwise routine cattle mustering operations in the region, highlighting the inherent risks of aerial agriculture operations and the critical importance of thorough safety measures.