Three people injured in helicopter crash north of Meekatharra, just after take-off near Kumarina Roadhouse

Three people have been hurt in what is believed to have been a freak helicopter crash caused by a “willy willy” shortly after take off. The crash happened about 6km north of the Kumarina Roadhouse, more than 250km north of Meekatharra, about 1pm on Thursday. Four people were aboard the Robinson R44 helicopter when it collided with the ground. It is understood the crash site is near the Yulga Jinna remote community, where a group of people including traditional owners and archeologists were researching sites in the Collier Range National Park. A witness told the ABC that the helicopter was transporting some of the group, while others waited behind, when it came into contact with a “willy-willy” or mini-tornado as it crossed a gorge. WA Police said the crash occurred just after take-off. Authorities became aware of the crash about 1.55pm. Due to no vehicle access, police said a St John WA rescue helicopter airlifted four occupants to the Kumarina Roadhouse and those who required further treatment were then transferred to Newman Hospital. A St John WA spokesperson said they received the initial call at 1.15pm. A woman in her 20s and a man in his 60s were flown to Newman Hospital by a BHP rescue helicopter. The man in his 60s was later transferred to Royal Perth Hospital by Royal Flying Doctor Service. A RPH spokesperson said the man was in a stable condition. The spokesperson said two people aboard the helicopter at the time of the accident did not require transportation. Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the ATSB had commenced a transport safety investigation on Thursday afternoon. “During initial climb, the helicopter collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage. Two passengers sustained serious injuries and one passenger sustained minor injuries,” he said. Mr Mitchell said further investigation would continue and a final report would be released when the investigation was complete. “ATSB investigators will interview the pilot and other involved parties, and obtain and review any recorded data, weather information, witness reports, and aircraft operator procedures and maintenance records. “Should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”