Pilot dies after helicopter crashes while fighting fires.

An experienced helicopter pilot who died in a crash while fighting bushfires in northeast Tasmania has been remembered as a great mate to many. A witness in Tasmania's north-east says he heard a loud bang before seeing a firefighting helicopter "go down" in a crash which claimed the life of an experienced pilot. The 41-year-old man was killed on Monday afternoon when the water-bombing aircraft went down in a paddock. He was the sole occupant and had been helping battle blazes at Lebrina across several days.

A tribute from Air Operations Unit - Tasmania, an online group of aerial firefighters, described him as an "outstanding pilot and great mate to many".

"He was highly respected within the aviation industry and the Tasmania Fire Service," the Facebook post read.

"The Tasmania Fire Service Aerial Operations team are saddened by the loss and are proud to have worked alongside him and call him a mate.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with (his) family, friends and work colleagues."

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

"As reported to us the helicopter jettisoned its water bucket and line before colliding with the ground in a paddock," ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said.

A preliminary report is expected to be published in 6-8 weeks.

Lebrina is a rural locality and town in the local government area of Launceston, in the Northern region of Tasmania. It is located about 38 kilometres north-east of the city of Launceston.

Aircraft Information:

Aircraft: Bell Garlick UH-1H Iroquois Helicopter

Registration: VH-UHX

Serial Number: 64-13865
Year of Manufacture: 2007

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.