Emergency services rescuing the helicopter pilot from the wreckage.Credit:Joe Armao
Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said in a statement the bureau had begun its investigation into the incident.
“The[Hughes 269C] helicopter was reported to have been conducting a missed approach (go-around) procedure from Moorabbin Airport when it collided with the roof of a house,” he said.
“Should any critical safety issues be identified[before the final report] ... the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”
The helicopter is linked to The Helicopter Group (Aust),which operates out of Moorabbin Airport and runs tours,charter flights and flight training.
The scene of the helicopter crash in Mentone.Credit:Nine News
Jesse Vanderzypp,son of Helicopter Group founder Michael Vanderzypp,said his father had spoken to the pilot and was relieved he had survived.
“Our first question is always ‘Is everyone OK?’” he said.
Vanderzypp said the pilot was on his way back to the airport after a two-hour solo navigation flight when he crashed.
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This is not the first time an aircraft has crashed near Moorabbin Airport,which is 21 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s CBD.
In 2019,two men walked away with minor injuries after their plane crashed on a nearby golf course. In 2018,father-of-two Anthony Liddell was killed when the Cessna 172 he was flying crashed.
Kingston Mayor Hadi Saab said in a statement that the incident was “yet another reminder of why it is vital for aviation and safety to be at the core of future planning”for the airport.