Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Wreckage of WA crash helicopter recovered

The fuselage of a helicopter that crashed 30km off Port Hedland last week has been recovered, Pilbara Ports Authority says.

The wreckage of a helicopter that crashed into the ocean off WA's Pilbara coast has been recovered.

The chopper had been carrying two pilots when it ditched into the ocean about 30km off Port Hedland on Wednesday night as it approached a bulk carrier.

The men, employees of Aviator Group subsidiary Mackay Helicopters, were on their way to pick up another marine pilot, who witnessed the crash.

The body of 44-year-old Brett Gallard, a trainee pilot who was flying the chopper, was found on Saturday.

A second pilot who was on board, 64, was rescued from a life raft shortly after the crash.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesman Craig Condon told reporters last week the helicopter became inverted once it hit the water.

The man who survived followed his underwater escape training, activating an emergency beacon and setting off four flares after freeing himself.


1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world