Boys day out. Very sad!
FOUR men critically injured in a helicopter crash in north west Sydney are being prepared to be airlifted to hospital.
Police said five people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed in dense scrub near Arcadia at 12.55pm (AEDT).
A fifth passenger is in a stable condition with minor injuries, a NSW Ambulance Service spokesman said.
Helicopters will transport the seriously injured, who are all aged in their thirties, to Westmead and Liverpool hospitals.
A man with spinal and back injuries will be taken to Liverpool hospital in a serious condition.
A second man will be taken to Westmead hospital with facial and pelvic injuries. He is in a serious condition.
A third man will be taken to Westmead hospital with shoulder injuries. He is in a serious condition.
A fourth man has been taken to Liverpool Hospital with spinal injuries. His condition is unknown.
"All patients are male and between 30-40 years,'' the spokesman said.
A fifth man, aged 36, is being taken by road ambulance to Westmead with multiple abrasions. His condition is stable.
Police said nearby residents on Cobah Road witnessed the crash and telephoned emergency services immediately.
Eight ambulances were deployed to the scene and the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire Brigades NSW are in attendance.
NSW Fire Brigades said there was no fire, no spillage and no explosions.
The spokesman said the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) had been informed and an investigation would follow.
Helicopter company
The helicopter is believed to be a Jetranger based at Bankstown, a local helicopter pilot said.
The blue, white and yellow Jetranger had a call sign NBP and was used for charters and hired to private pilots, the Chief Pilot at Wieland Helicopter Company, who does not wish to be named, said.
A company which flies Jetrangers, Bankstown Helicopters, is expected to issue a statement later this afternoon.
A spokesman for Bill Miller, the director of Bankstown Helicopters, said he was unable to confirm whether the helicopter involved in today's crash belonged to his company.
"Sorry, it's no comment at the moment,'' the spokesman said.
"We've got nothing to say at the moment.
"We're still gathering information and we'll release it as we receive it.''
Bankstown Helicopters offers scenic flights, charter services and flight training.
An industry insider said the aviation industry was a tight-knit community which would be deeply affected by the incident.
"I'm sure everybody is saddened by the news,'' the spokesman said.
"There are some families that are looking for answers today.''