Qld: Black Hawk crew's survival a miracle, say ambos

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2004
Qld: Black Hawk crew's survival a miracle, say ambos

Eight people escaped death today when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed at Mt Walker,
southwest of Brisbane.

Witnesses say the helicopter may have clipped a tree before crashing into a paddock
during a routine training exercise just before 11 am (AEST).

Police say they received a mayday call was received just before the crash.

Rescue crews had to trek almost a kilometre through bush to get to the accident site,
off the Rosewood to Warrill View Road.

They were surprised to find all those on board had survived the crash -- the worst
of six injured having a broken leg and possible spinal injuries.

The four most serious patients were airlifted to Brisbane hospitals -- two to the Royal
Brisbane and two to the Princess Alexandra.

A defence force safety investigation team is examining the cause of the accident.

AAP RTV jhm/sc/jas/rt

KEYWORD: BLACKHAWK (ROSEWOOD) WITH AUDIO

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