A body has been located following a helicopter crash in the state's northwest.
Just after 8pm on Friday 13 March 2026, officers attached to New England Police District received a report of an overdue helicopter that had left the Gold Coast about 9am, bound for Mudgee; however, failed to arrive as scheduled.
Just before 2pm yesterday officers from Richmond Police District and other specialist resources, located the wreckage of a helicopter in dense bushland north of the Drake township.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced and is being led by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The aircraft involved was a Robinson R44 helicopter.
About 1pm today, police located a body believed to be that of the 77-year-old pilot.
A recovery operation is currently underway with the assistance of PolAir and Police Rescue.
The man is yet to be formally identified.
