Two pilots lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Thursday, and now heartbreaking details about the disaster are starting to come to light, including their identities.
Near Derby, two young pilots—Peter Ritter, 29, and Gavin U’Ren, 30—died on Thursday morning when their helicopters collided. One of the helicopters caught fire.
At about 6:20 a.m., emergency personnel hurried to the remote site about 120 kilometers south of Derby, in Camballin, near Mt. Anderson Station.
The two men were employees of Pearl Coast Helicopters, a Broome-based firm that does airborne stock mustering.
The firm released a statement expressing their profound sadness over the death of two of their esteemed and experienced pilots. Their thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones and their team as they grieve the loss.
The pilots’ photos and videos posted to social media sites like Instagram and Facebook often feature them standing beside or inside helicopters, demonstrating their obvious passion for flight.
Mr. Ritter moved to Western Australia after attending Weilmoringle University in New South Wales. His Instagram feed was a showcase for his stunning photography.
Although Mr. U’Ren now lives in Broome, he was originally from Northam. Four years ago, he expressed his desire to become a helicopter pilot.
Because of the station’s isolation, rescue workers took around 45 minutes to reach the accident scene. Officials from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) are investigating the two Robinson helicopters for clues about what might have happened.
Investigators will map the area on-site at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra, search for pertinent parts, and compile a report for further analysis.
An official said that investigators would gather pertinent recorded data, pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and meteorological information and question potential witnesses. A preliminary report outlining the facts is anticipated in two months, followed by a full report upon the inquiry’s completion.
