Firefighting Skycrane Down

[Sisemen]

VICTORIAN FIRE BOMBING AIRCRAFT INCIDENT 28 JANUARY 2019

One of Victoria’s fire bombing Aircranes, "Christine" 341 has been involved in an incident during fire operations over the Thomson Complex Catchment fires in Gippsland. The two pilots and one engineer are safe after swimming to the edge of the dam where the aircraft crashed. Ambulance Victoria will assess the crew members.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Worksafe have been notified.

Over the past several days, the aircraft had been involved in fire suppression activities at the Thomson Catchment Complex fires. The Aircrane was one of ten aircraft working on the fire.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said that he was grateful that the crew are safe.

Victoria has 49 contracted aircraft including two Aircranes.

Contingency plans are being put in place to ensure Victoria has adequate aircraft coverage over the Thomson Catchment Complex fires and for the State.

[CharlieOneSix]

Glad the crew are safe. This photo is of Christine 341.