Firefighting Aircraft accident Jericho, Victoria
 

There is very limited information but reports that a water bombing aircraft may have been involved in an accident in Jericho, working on the fire near the Thomson Dam around 7pm this evening. Reports that crew are ok. Sure we will hear more once it hits the media.

Erickson Skycrane Christine.

Firebombing helicopter crashes Yarra Ranges

A water bombing helicopter used to fight bushfires has crash-landed into a dam in the Yarra Ranges on Monday night.

Emergency crews rushed to Jericho after the chopper came down and plunged into the water.

Three people on board the Helitak341 have luckily escaped without serious injury.

Communities around Mt Buller had been on alert for fires, following recent bushfires in the area including at Aberfeldy and Woods Point.

It’s not clear to which fire the crews on board the helicopter had been attending.

Local man Pedro, from the Tatong Tavern, said patrons had seen police and ambulance heading towards Odea Rod just after 8pm.

“That area is mainly bush, it’s a gravel road with lots of hills and mountains then it goes into a valley,” he said.

“They [emergency services] would have to access it by a back road though I’d say — it’s not private land but it’s got gates and fences.

“There’s a few farms that back onto the area too.”

Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Butler said crews were called to Nine Mile Rd about 7.15pm.

“It is believed all occupants of the aircraft are safely out,” Ms Butler said.

“The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified.”

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/la...11413634ff9ae0

Christine or Delialah? I saw Delialah operating up there yesterday.

Both were there today, my information was that it was Christine. If it helps its the one out of YMEN not YMMB.

Edit: From EMV

https://i.imgur.com/ygxcbJu.jpg

Odd. Tatong is a bloody long way from Thomson Dam. Tatong is just east of Benalla.

Seriously why ground them............ They have been operating for years in a harsh environment. Press on like the Americans don't get scared Aussies this is why you have never been to the moon, risk averse.

If it was pilot error, they would still be flying.

If something fell off it like a rotor blade, they would need to ground them.

I suspect the two pilots onboard gave good insight into what went wrong and the appropriate course of action has been taken...

Worksafe have discovered that the dam they were filling from did not have any safety cones set up around it, nor were the crew wearing his vis vests.

"Christine" eh...... Good movie. '58 Plymouth Fury taking no crap from anyone.

Aircraft have been cleared for operation again

Be interesting to know the cost of the rebuild...OUCH!

I expect the full insured value plus a bit.

Simply getting it out will be a massive task.