Helicopter lands in dam in South Coast

A man has escaped with minor injuries after a helicopter came to rest in a dam on the NSW South Coast yesterday.

Officer from South Coast Police District were alerted after a helicopter refilling a water bucket in the Ben Boyd Reservoir in Boydtown, south of Eden, about 4.20pm (Thursday 9 January 2020), lost power.

Police were told the helicopter had been fighting bushfires around Bega and Eden when it crashed into the dam.

The 47-year-old pilot was able to free himself from the aircraft and make his way to shore.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for shoulder, back and ankle injuries, before being taken to South East Regional Hospital in a stable condition.

Inquiries continue into the incident with the reservoir currently closed as a drinking supply, and alternative arrangements being managed by local council.

An operation to recover the aircraft will be coordinated.

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