2 dead as helicopters collide, WA

[Nigel C]

From http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574...-29277,00.html

Two pilots dead in mustering crash

AAP
May 05, 2009 04:43pm

TWO pilots were killed after their helicopters crashed while mustering livestock in Western Australia's Kimberley region, police said.
A police spokeswoman said the two helicopters had apparently collided.

Sgt Greg Lambert said the fatal crash happened early today at Springvale station, about 50km north of Halls Creek.

"The alarm was raised around 8.30am (WST) when the two helicopters failed to return to refuel as planned and radio contact could not be made," Sgt Lambert said.

"A third helicopter was sent out to search for the aircraft and found the wreckage of the two helicopters approximately 16km southeast of the homestead.

"The two male pilots, believed to be 37 and 39 years of age, were killed in the crash."

Sgt Lambert said the two R22 helicopters had been mustering cattle at the time.

Halls Creek police are investigating the incident, he said.