Five people have survived a helicopter crash in the NSW Snowy Mountains, including four National Park and Wildlife Service staff.
NSW Ambulance said the helicopter, carrying five people, crashed near a dam about 11:30 Friday morning near Guthega in Kosciuszko National Park.
Monaro police district commander superintendent John Klepczarek said the pilot has been taken to Canberra Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
In a statement, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said the helicopter was contracted to work for them when the crash occurred.
"[It] was forced to make an emergency heavy landing in the Snowy River near Guthega Power Station," a spokesperson said.
"The crew on board were four NPWS staff and the commercial pilot of the aircraft."
The four National Parks and Wildlife Service male staff members were not seriously injured and have all been safely removed from the crash site.
NSW Ambulance said two patients were winched to safety, while the other two were able to walk out.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews also deployed booms to prevent 150 litres of fuel from entering a nearby waterway.
NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) crews all helped during the rescue mission.
Deputy Commander for Fire and Rescue in the Southern Region Phil Eberle said emergency services would assess environmental damage after everyone was safe.
"Then we are going to start protecting the environment to make sure there aren't any hazardous materials."
Safety investigation launched
The Australian Transport Bureau has started an investigation into the crash.
Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the helicopter crashed into terrain near Guthega in the Kosciuszko National Park while the NPWS crew was conducting aerial survey work.
A team of transport safety investigators will start their investigation on site on Saturday morning.
"Investigators will examine the wreckage and site surrounds and will retrieve any relevant components for further examination in the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra," Mr Mitchell said.
“The bureau will also analyse any recorded data, as well as interview involved parties and witnesses."
It is not the first time a helicopter has crashed in the Kosciuszko National Park.
In 2018, a helicopter went down in Yarrangobilly riverbed while the pilot was working on the Snowy 2.0 project.
It took two hours for the injured pilot to be winched from the accident site and transported to a hospital.
