The Australian Trasport Safety Bureau is launching an investigation into the cause of a helicopter crash in the Riverina today, leaving the pilot in a critical condition.
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A pilot is believed to be seriously injured and trapped inside his helicopter after it crashed in the Riverina.
Emergency services are at the scene at a property on the Carrathool Road at Conargo, between Deniliquin and Hay.
It is understood the helicopter crashed into powerlines at Steam Plains, bringing them down on top of the aircraft in the crash, Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed.
"The male pilot is believed to be trapped inside the helicopter," police said in a statement.
A spokesperson for NSW Ambulance confirmed crews were at the scene, with a male patient in a critical condition.
A Triple 0 call was made shortly after noon on Friday, FRNSW said.
The Robinson R44 helicopter was reported to be conducting aerial spraying operations when it struck the powerline.
A team of transport safety investigators from the ATSB's Canberra office is preparing to deploy to the accident site on Saturday morning.
Investigators will examine the helicopter wreckage and site surrounds, and analyse available recorded data, review records, and interview involved parties.
Any immediate critical safety issues identified will be reported to relevant parties immediately, followed by a final report.
A FRNSW crew from Jerilderie as well as a number of local Rural Fire Service teams have been joined at the property by police.
A NSW Police aircraft is believed to be en route, with flight tracking indicating Polair had departed Albury and was circling the area around the crash.
The property is in a remote section of the Riverina, with a 100kilometre road journey to Jerilderie and more than 80 kilometres to both Deniliquin and Hay.
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