UPDATED: The aviation watchdog has launched an investigation into the fatal helicopter crash at Hobart Airport and is calling for witnesses.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said two interstate investigators would shortly travel to the site to start the probe.
The fatal crash involved a single engine AS350BA Squirrel helicopter believed to be operated by Rotorlift which performs aerial duties for the state’s emergency services.
“A team of two Transport Safety Investigators from Brisbane and Canberra will travel to the site shortly to begin their investigation,” an ATSB spokesperson said.
“The ATSB encourages anyone who witnessed the accident to call 1800 020 616.“No further information about the accident is available at this time.” A preliminary report into the air disaster will be handed down in about 30 days.
EARLIER: Police say a person has died and another is in a critical condition following a helicopter crash at Hobart Airport.
Hobart Airport has been shut down and people have been moved outside.
A spokesman for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed the incident.
“The ATSB has been advised that there has been an accident at Hobart Airport involving a helicopter with two people aboard,” the spokesman said.
“We understand that emergency services are in attendance and we will be gathering more information before deciding whether to launch an investigation.”
Witness Adele Khoury said the helicopter came in from the Pittwater area, and was flying about tree height before performing a loop and descending into a nose dive.
“There was a puff of smoke,” she said.
Emergency vehicles have converged on the scene, including two ambulances.
One ambulance was seen speeding back towards Hobart city just after 6pm.
Mrs Khoury said the crash occurred about 5.30pm.