KUALA LUMPUR – Two of the five victims in the Victoria helicopter crash on Thursday have been identified – one being pilot Dean Neal, 32, and meat industry boss Paul Troja, 73.
Neal’s family said in a statement that he was a conscientious and professional pilot who would have “done anything in his power to deliver his passengers safely to their destination”.
They also sent their condolences to the families and friends of those who were flying with him.
Nine News also reported that Troja was identified as one of the passengers and it was to be his last trip before retiring.
He was the chairman of meat processing company Radfords.
Meanwhile, helicopter operator Microflite has suspended all services until next week and investigations into the crash continue.
Its executive general manager Rodney Higgins said the company will cooperate with the investigators.
So far, police are unable to pinpoint the cause of the crash, but some aviation experts suggested poor visibility as a possible reason.
Victoria police was reported as saying that the doomed helicopter was one of two travelling in a convoy, but only one made it to Melbourne’s Moorabbin Airport.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s (ATSB) teams from Canberra and Melbourne have been deployed to the wreckage site.
“Once on site, they will examine the wreckage and site surrounds, and will retrieve any relevant components for further examination in the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra,” ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchel was quoted as saying.
“The ATSB will also analyse any recorded data and conduct interviews with those who have knowledge of the flight.”
He added that a preliminary report will be published between six and eight weeks.
“However, at any stage, should we identify critical safety issues, we will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority later said heavy fog had hampered the initial aerial search operations.
On Thursday, the helicopter crashed in Mount Disappointment, killing all five onboard.
The flight was heading to Ulupna in northern Victoria. Police said in a statement that the wreckage was found in the vicinity of Blair’s Hut about 11.45am yesterday.
The search and rescue operation is ongoing, including authorities clearing a path to the crash site with bulldozers and an excavator. – The Vibes, April 2, 2022
