Pilot killed in gyrocopter crash on western Queensland station
Investigations are underway into the death of a man who was mustering in a gyrocopter on a property in outback Queensland.
Key points:The 31-year-old man had taken off after refuelling around 11am on Sunday, when his aircraft crashed and erupted into flames, a spokesperson for the Queensland Police Service said.
The father of two, from Charters Towers, was mustering on Waroona Station near Stonehenge, about 135 kilometres south of Longreach.
His name has been withheld at the request of his family.
The Queensland Ambulance Service said the man was assessed for critical injuries, but was pronounced dead at the scene.
It is yet to be determined what caused the crash.
The aircraft was registered with the Australian Sport Rotorcraft Association (ASRA) The organisation is assisting police with the investigation.
Find more local newsAn ASRA crash investigator, with expertise in gyrocopters, examined the wreckage on Tuesday at the property.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The death comes just over a year after 26-year-old Jack Joseland was killed when the gyrocpter he was flying crashed while mustering.
Mr Joseland was mustering on a station at Yaraka, south of Longreach.
A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA ) said it had comprehensive safety regulations covering sports and recreational aviation.
"We take a different approach to these sectors than passenger-carrying operations based on a careful assessment of risk and appropriate risk management," the spokesperson said.
"CASA approves a peak body in each sport and recreational aviation activity.
"These bodies operate according to safety rules and are regularly audited by CASA."
The spokesperson said those bodies were responsible for certifying pilots and aircraft and assisting in accident investigations.
"The peak bodies report back to CASA as required.
"This approach to sport and recreational aviation allows participants to enjoy their chosen area of flying while having appropriate safety measures to manage their risks and minimise risks to the general public," the spokesperson said.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been contacted for comment.
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