A water-bombing helicopter crashed at Pechey north of Toowoomba in a firefighting operation when the pilot attempted to perform an emergency landing in strong winds.
Queensland Police’s Acting Inspector Regan Draheim said water-bombing pilots put themselves in treacherous situations to benefit others.
“He’s obviously done what he’s seen best to try and recover the aircraft and to obviously save his own life,” Mr Drageim said.
The experienced pilot was injured but survived the crash.