Canberra [Australia], June 28: A pilot has been killed in a helicopter crash at a cattle station in Australia's Outback.
The Robinson R22 helicopter crashed during a routine mustering operation on Limbunya Station about 1,000 km south of Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory (NT), at approximately midday local time on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, helicopter charter company Top End Mustering confirmed the death of a "highly experienced" pilot.
"It is with great sadness that Top End Mustering acknowledges the tragic helicopter accident that today took the life of a highly experienced pilot," it said.
Helicopters are used to locate cattle on vast stations in central and northern Australia and to assist mounted farmers herding them into paddocks.
Mustering operations often require flying a helicopter only meters above the ground to effectively control livestock.
NT Police confirmed it was investigating the circumstances on Tuesday's crash while the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it would gather information before deciding whether to investigate.
Source: Xinhua