Bell 407 Crashes Off Derby W A

[Bob C]

A Bell 407, believed to be VH-NSH, operated by True North Helicopters crashed into Talbot Bay yesterday morning shortly after taking off from the luxury cruise ship "True North" for a scenic flight to Horizontal Falls.

Six passengers and the pilot were aboard the helicopter which quicky sank into 90 metres of water. The pilot was unable to activate the flotation devices as the accident happened immediately after take off.

Two passengers were injured, including a woman in her 80s, and all were lucky to escape as there are some awfully big nasties lurking in those waters.

The "True North" was on a 13 night Kimberley Wildlife Cruise from Wyndham to Broome which was ending today.

(Thanks to the "West Australian")