THE Barcaldine community is in shock today after a helicopter crash claimed the life of 47-year-old Michael Wills on Monday evening.
The well-respected property owner from Lara Station has been described as a real professional who was one of the western Queensland community’s go-getters.
Police say the accident happened at Hulton Station 45km north west of Barcaldine.
They were notified at 6pm that Mr Wills hadn’t returned from a mustering job and commenced a search.
The crashed helicopter, a Cicare CH-7B single seater was found one kilometre from the Hulton homestead at about 8pm with a person deceased at the scene.
Mr Wills is understood to have undertaken helicopter mustering work for a number of local graziers and had a lot of experience with the machines.
Police are now preparing a report for the coroner, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are investigating the crash along with Workplace Health and Safety.
Sally Cripps
Journalist
Journalist
