5.15PM WRAP: The pilot killed in Thursday's tragic firefighting plane crash has been identified as 43-year-old David Black, of Trangie.
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Mr Black was undertaking firefighting operations along the South Coast when the plane he was flying crashed into remote bushland west of Ulladulla.
He leaves behind a wife and three children.
3.30PM UPDATE: The family of a 43-year-old Trangie man, who died in a plane crash while fighting fires on the NSW South Coast, has been notified of his death.
Due to the rugged and steep terrain it took crews several hours to reach the crash site, 15 nautical miles west of Ulladulla.
A short time ago the site was accessed and the pilot was confirmed dead. He was the only person on board.
NSW Police Aviation Command is heading to the scene with an air crash investigation officer, who will liaise with Air Transport Safety Bureau investigators.
Investigators will prepare a report for the Coroner.
Fire chief holds back tears as he speak of family's loss.
2.50PM UPDATE: Authorities have confirmed a 43-year-old pilot died in Thursday's crash of a firefighting aircraft in remote bushland west of Ulladulla. The husband and father was a contractor from Trangie, west of Dubbo, and the only person in the plane.
2PM UPDATE: The police will hold a press conference in Nowra at 3pm to brief the media on the aircraft crash.
1.05PM UPDATE: The Westpac Lifesaver Three is at Ulladulla refuelling and waiting for PolAir to arrive for crime scene investigations.
There are unconfirmed reports the crashed aircraft's wing has been spotted 50m away from the rest of the wreckage.
12.30PM UPDATE: The Rural Fire Service is now trying to waterbomb a fire that has broken out around the crash site.
Authorities then plan to stabilise the scene to allow police and the ATSB to investigate what caused the fixed wing aircraft to crash.
They have not been able to get on the ground at the crash site because of the fire. The pilot is believed dead but that cannot be confirmed at this stage..
The fixed-wing aircraft, a M-18 Dromader, had been contracted to the RFS for firefighting efforts.
NOON: Police have arrived at the crash site and are about to establish a crime scene in remote bushland 40km west of Ulladulla. The ambulance rescue team has had to abort attempts to winch a paramedic down due to high winds.
11.50AM UPDATE: Westpac Lifesaver 3 out of Moruya has arrived at the crash scene along with Ambulance Helicopter Rescue 23 from Albion Park, according to Westpac Lifesaver director Stephen Leahy.
The rescue chopper was hovering overhead, while the Ambulance chopper was winching down a paramedic to the wreckage to check on the status of any survivors.
There are reports that the crash of the fixed-wing water bombing aircraft caused a fire and that water bombing helicopters are attempting to douse the flames.
“Smoke in the close proximity is causing problems,” he said.
11.40AM UPDATE: A rescue helicopter is over the crash site and has reported a body lying motionless beside the wreckage. Fire surrounds the crash site.
The RFS reported a mayday call from the pilot at 10.30am.
11.30AM UPDATE: There are reports aircraft in the area have seen a fire at the site where a firefighting plane has gone down near Braidwood.
It is believed only one person was onboard the fixed wing aircraft, which was supporting a remote area firefighting team near Mongarlowe.
Early reports indicate the plane may have lost a wing.
BREAKING NEWS: A fixed-wing aircraft involved in firefighting operations has crashed near Charlie's Forest Road near Braidwood.
The Rural Fire Service said the crash occurred in remote bushland west of the Ulladulla district just before 10.30am Thursday.
The RFS confirmed that the aircraft was involved in firefighting operations on the Wirritin fire in the Budawang National Park.
A rescue helicopter and rescue crews are enroute to the scene along with Polair.
More information as it comes to hand.
