Pilot dies fighting bushfire
Pilot dies fighting bushfire
17 February 2006
published by www.news.com.au
A 32-YEAR-OLD pilot has died while fighting a bushfire in southern NSW
Australia — Police said a lightning strike was believed to have sparked a fire on properties at Brawlin, near Cootamundra, about 5pm (AEDT) yesterday.
Three Rural Fire Service (RFS) planes and one helicopter dumped water on the flames from the air in an attempt to control the blaze, but one of the planes hit a hillside.
The body of a 32-year-old male pilot was later recovered from the wreckage.
The man, a contracted aerial firefighter, was the only passenger of the aircraft.
Police from Cootamundra are preparing a report for the coroner.
The RFS said late last night the bushfire had burnt out 2000ha of bushland but had so far not threatened property.
