Uluru helicopter pilot transferred to spinal injuries unit after scenic flight crash
Updated
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed on a sunset tour of Uluru with three passengers on board has been transferred to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with spinal injuries.
The Royal Flying Doctors service said one passenger would be airlifted to Adelaide for specialist treatment today.
Another person on board suffered multiple fractures, chest injuries and is being treated at Alice Springs Hospital.
The third passenger had no major injuries.
NT Police said the helicopter went down at 6.30pm, about 1.5 kilometres west of the tourist hub, shortly after taking off for a scenic tour of Uluru.
"The helicopter came down hard in scrubland shortly after taking off about 6pm," Duty Superintendent Rob Farmer said.
"Another helicopter was able to land and provide immediate assistance.
"Yulara police, fire and rescue services and health staff were notified and attended the scene."
The scenic flight company involved in the crash has been confirmed as Professional Helicopter Services and is expected to release a statement.
The crash site was in a remote area, inaccessible by road so local Yulara medical staff assisted until the Royal Flying Doctor Service arrived about 10:30pm.
"We've maintained a crime scene at the crash site overnight, pending a decision on the level of further investigation that will be undertaken by the Australia Transport Safety Bureau," Duty Superintendent Farmer said.
"We're just maintaining the security of that scene until they arrive if they come to do an investigation."
Topics: accidents, disasters-and-accidents, yulara-0872, nt
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