UPDATE - 5.30pm
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The Australian Transport Safety Bureau have dispatched a team of investigators to the site of a Robinson R22 helicopter crash near Maude, about 50 kilometres west of Hay.
The team will search through the wreckage on Thursday in an attempt to discern the cause of the crash, and they say their preliminary findings will be released "in a number of weeks" with a final report to follow.
However, an ATSB spokesman said if a critical safety issue should arise in the meantime, they would make sure to immediately notify relevant parties so safety action can be taken.
"A team of transport safety investigators from the ATSB's Canberra and Sydney offices with expertise in aircraft engineering, operations and maintenance are deploying to the accident site, where they expect to arrive on Thursday," the spokesman said.
"On site, investigators will examine the helicopter wreckage and site surrounds, and seek to recover any relevant components for detailed examination in the ATSB's technical facilities. The ATSB will also analyse any available recorded data, review pilot and maintenance records, and interview involved parties."
EARLIER
A man has been killed in a helicopter crash in the western Riverina on Wednesday afternoon.
"Just after 12pm [Wednesday] emergency services were called to a property on Toopuntul Road, Maude, about 50 kilometres west of Hay," a NSW Police Force statement said.
"The male pilot - and sole occupant of the helicopter - died at the scene.
"He is yet to be formally identified. Officers from Murrumbidgee Police District attended and remain at the scene, which is still being forensically examined."
NSW Police said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
In other news
A NSW Ambulance Service spokesperson said three paramedic crews in road vehicles were called to the scene about 12pm.
"There was only one person on board. It was a male believed to be aged in his 40s," the spokesperson said.
The NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW also attended the incident.
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