By STAFF REPORTERS
Two men are dead after their helicopter crashed yesterday afternoon at Jaspers Brush air strip.
“At 15.54 hours today at the Jaspers Brush air strip the helicopter Robertson R44 was attempting take off and shortly after or during, impacted with the ground. Out of that impact, a fire ensued and unfortunately the two persons inside were trapped in the fire and the male, 50 years old from Melbourne, the pilot, and a male in his 50s from the USA are deceased,” said Acting Inspector John Behrendt.
The men, cinematographer Mike de Gruy and pilot Andrew Wight, were heading to Jervis Bay to film a documentary, believed to be under the direction of accalimed director James Cameron, according to Cr David Bennett, who witnessed the crash.
Cr Bennett, who is president of the South Coast Recreational Flying Club, said he was standing just six metres from the helicopter when it crashed during take-off.
Cr Bennett said he met the men, who were off to do some filming for a documentary, for the first time today, before he watched the crash unfold.
"Something has gone wrong and they have crashed to the ground and burnt," Cr Bennett said.
"I don't know who they were, other than to say, 'G'day' when they arrived.
"They were filming a documentary down in Jervis Bay.
"They had a pilot and cameraman on board and they were taking off together to do some filming."
Cr Bennett said the tail of the chopper appeared to pitch down and strike the ground, causing the aircraft to crash and burst into flames.
"It all happened in about 15 to 20 seconds," he said.
It is understood the pair were to film a ship in the bay. According to maritime records the only ship in Jervis Bay at the time was the research vessel Mermaid Sapphire.
A Rural Fire Service (RFS) spokesman said crews arrived at the scene to find the helicopter well alight.
The crash had occurred near a hangar and people there had already started fighting the fire before crews arrived, the spokesman said.
The fire burnt "mostly within the cabin area" of the helicopter before sparking a grass fire, he said.
The two men died at the scene.
Police have established a crime scene and will prepare a report for the coroner.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is arranging a team of investigators to examine the scene, said spokesman Mike Walker.
Two investigators from Canberra and two from Brisbane will arrive at the site tomorrow morning.
Mr Walker said the helicopter was a Robinson R44.
Inspector Behrendt said weather was not a contributing factor as it was fie and sunny all day with light winds.
“Obviously this early in the year it is a tragic accident taking the life of two males. Some families will be missing maybe their fathers, sons, or brothers at this time, and our hearts and prayers are with their families,” said Shoalhaven Mayor Paul Green.
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