Rescue mission is launched to find survivors of helicopter crash as wreckage is found
The suspected wreckage of a missing helicopter has been found in Victorian forest and police are preparing a ground search for the five people on board.
The helicopter was one of two that left the Melbourne CBD on Thursday morning, flying in convoy over Mt Disappointment when it disappeared about 9.30am.
Police Air Wing found the wreckage in the vicinity of Blair’s Hut about 11.45am, police said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
It’s believed the pilot and four passengers were on board at the time.
Five Country Fire Authority vehicles, police and paramedics, including the air ambulance, are on scene.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is also investigating and sending a team from its Canberra and Melbourne offices with expertise in helicopter operations and maintenance, and aerospace engineering, to the site.
The experts will inspect the wreckage and site surrounds before retrieving any relevant components to take them to Canberra for further examination.
The ATSB will also analyse any recorded data and conduct interviews with those who have knowledge of the flight.
A preliminary report from the watchdog is expected in about six to eight weeks.
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