Helicpoter crashes in hard landing.

A firefighting helicopter made a hard landing and came to rest on its side.

A water-bombing helicopter owned by McDermott Aviation has crashed as it battled bushfires in Queensland’s Darling Downs, west of Brisbane. A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said the helicopter, a Bell 214B, went down at 1.52pm off Grapetree Rd, while carrying out "water-bombing operations at the Pechey fire". The experienced pilot in his 70's suffered "non-life threatening injuries" during the crash and is now being treated by paramedics. The spokesperson said the pilot made a very "hard landing" because of strong winds. All other water-bombing aircraft in the area had to be momentarily stood down while the crash was investigated.

There are more than 90 fires burning around Queensland

Hot, dry and windy conditions are expected to return by the weekend

Aircraft Details
Owner: McDermott Aviation
Aircraft: Bell 214B
Registration: P2-MLJ
Serial Number: 28066