A helicopter taking three tourists on a scenic flight near Uluru in the Northern Territory has crashed.
The pilot has been taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital with spinal injuries. One passenger has also been airlifted to Adelaide for specialist treatment, while another is being treated at Alice Springs Hospital with multiple fractures and chest injuries. The third passenger had no major injuries.
NT Police said the helicopter went down at 6.30pm, about 1.5 kilometres west of the tourist hub, shortly after taking off for a sunset tour of Uluru.
“The helicopter came down hard in scrubland shortly after taking off about 6pm,” Duty Superintendent Rob Farmer said. “Another helicopter was able to land and provide immediate assistance.”
The scenic flight was conducted by Professional Helicopter Services and it is expected to release a statement about the incidents shortly.
The ABC reports that the crash site was in a remote area, inaccessible by road so local Yulara medical staff assisted until the Royal Flying Doctor Service arrived about 10:30pm yesterday.
Police officers remained at the scene overnight and are investigating the incident and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau was notified.
