The head of Australia's transport safety watchdog says the helicopter involved in Saturday's fatal crash in Broome appeared to enter a spin shortly after take-off.
The Robinson R-44 helicopter crashed in Broome's northern suburbs on Saturday afternoon, killing 40-year-old pilot Troy Thomas and a 12-year-old girl.
Mr Thomas' 12-year-old daughter, Mia, remains in a serious but stable condition at Perth Children's Hospital, while a 24-year-old female passenger remains in a critical condition at Royal Perth Hospital.
Two investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) arrived in Broome this afternoon, with another two due to arrive tomorrow.
ATSB chief commissioner Greg Hood said this afternoon that the investigation into the tragic incident would proceed carefully.
"Air traffic control provided clearance for the aircraft to become airborne about three nautical miles north of Broome airport," he said.
"[Control] observed the aircraft to climb above the treetops, when the aircraft appeared to enter a spin and impact terrain in the industrial area just north of Broome."
The aircraft crashed on Antheous Way in Bilingurr, close to the headquarters of Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures, which Mr Thomas founded in 2006.
The street remains cordoned off as both police and ATSB staff examine the wreckage.
"We'll be looking at company records, records relating to the pilot and records relating to maintenance," Mr Hood said.
"We'll also be looking at the weather conditions prevailing at the time and any electronic data from the aircraft or air traffic control."
Mr Hood said people could submit CCTV or contact the investigation via the Bureau's website.
Friends and family shattered
Tributes have continued to pour in for Mr Thomas, with his loss felt right across the Broome community.
This morning Adam Barnard and Gianna Cortese said Mr Thomas' efforts had put Horizontal Falls on the Australian and global tourism map.
Mr Barnard praised Mr Thomas' loyalty and support for his friends.
"I couldn't come anywhere close to what he's achieved and what he's done," Mr Barnard said.
"His talent in everything used to have me in awe."
Ms Cortese said his skill as a pilot opened up amazing parts of the Kimberley to his family, friends and visitors.
"I'd turn up on this tiny little boat," she said. "He'd land on that tiny little boat in the middle of nowhere.
"Then he'd go over and take us to this little cliff face and land on this tiny little rock.
"It's still hard to believe — we're all just reeling."
A large party planned for Mr Thomas' 40th birthday, which was to be held on a property near Mandurah, had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Mr Barnard said the rescheduled party, held on Rowley Shoals off the coast of Broome and attended by a close group of Mr Thomas' friends and family, would remain a cherished memory.
"We sang him happy birthday and he got his cake," he said.
"We gave him his 40th birthday, that'll be a pretty special memory."
