Peter Ritter & Gavin U’Ren: Investigation at Kimberley helicopter crash site set to take days as tributes flow

An investigation at the site of a double fatal helicopter crash in the Kimberley is expected to take several days as the two men killed in the collision are remembered as “exceptional pilots and great mates”. Peter Ritter, 29, and Gavin U’Ren, 30, died when their cattle mustering choppers crashed moments after taking off near Mt Anderson Station in Camballin, about 120km south of Derby, at 6.20am on Thursday. Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau were deployed from around the country to probe the cause of the collision. They were travelling to Derby on Friday and are due to arrive at the crash site on Saturday, where they will likely spend “approximately three days”, an ATSB spokesman confirmed. Tributes have poured in for the pair, who worked for Pearl Coast Helicopters, a Broome-based helicopter company specialising in aerial stock mustering. A friend of both men, Gradyn Doak, said they were “exceptional pilots and great mates”. “They both were extremely safety conscious pilots, with both of them having a raw exceptional flying ability to match,” he said. “I always loved flying with these boys, either sharing the cockpit or sharing the job because you just knew that you were working with the best. ”I tell you what, wouldn’t want to be a running back shorthorn in the sky today that’s for sure.” In 2022, Mr Ritter told the Central Station podcast that he fell in love with aviation as a young child when military aircraft engaged in exercises flew over his families farm in the northern NSW town of Moree. “When I was a young kid I hasn’t been overly exposed to the fact people were mustering in the outback with helicopters,” he said. “We used to get helicopters out to our place to actually do feral animal control… that was my first introduction to helicopters that sparked my obsession with them.” Mr Ritter starting learning how to fly aircraft in Year 10 for school work experience before moving to the Northern Territory and eventually working as a mustering pilot in the Kimberley. Mr U’Ren was originally from Northam and lived in Broome. “Rest easy brother hope you give them hell up there mustering that dream herd we are all chasing,” Graham House wrote. “Some of us end up there before we are ready. My prayers and best wishes go to your family and all your friends. You will be dearly missed Gav.” Landon Girak said Mr U’Ren was in his most cherished memories from Northam. “Your thought, presence and impact on my life and so many other people’s lives will never be forgotten,” he said. Karinda Scanes said: “Rest easy, fly high you always were one of the good ones. A protector and a gentleman. Thank you for your kindnesses always.” Mr Ritter, 29, was a talented photographer. He had an Instagram channel where he displayed many of his photos. On his last photo, of mustering in the West Kimberley, an Instagram user commented: “Last pic from a great young man. Rip Peter.” Jacob McCumstie added: “I’m lost for words mate. Thanks for all the good memories brother. RIP Cowboy.” Their Facebook and Instagram pages clearly show they loved flying, with many of their pictures and videos featuring them standing next to or inside helicopters. A Fortescue Helicopters spokesperson on Friday said Mr U’Ren and Mr Ritter had spent many years working for the company. “Fortescue Helicopters wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the two pilots who passed away yesterday at Mt Anderson,” the spokesperson said. “Whilst not working for us at this particular time both these men were significant members of our extended Fortescue Helicopters family, having spent many years working for us and with us. “We share this loss with the greater northern pastoral community very heavily.” WAFarmers president John Hassell expressed his condolences for the pilots’ families, describing the crash as “the worst kind of tragedy”. “It’s an absolute tragedy and we wish we could avoid these sorts of things,” he said. “People have lost family members and when it’s all said and done, it’s the worst kind of tragedy. “Life will go on, but not the same for the families — and it’s the families who will be affected first.” WA Police, which sent officers to the scene, is expected to prepare a report for the coroner.