The pilot who was killed in a helicopter crash February 14 in Tasmania, Australia has been identified as 41-year old Andrew Kerr. The helicopter, a UH-1H, was on a water dropping mission while battling a bushfire southeast of Pipers Brook, Tasmania. The accident was reported at about 3:20 p.m. The pilot was the only person on board.

Below are excerpts from an article by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation:

Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said initial reports suggested the helicopter jettisoned its water bucket and line before the crash. Local man Michael McKenna said he was working in his shed when the incident happened.

“I heard this big bang, something wasn’t right,” he said. “I got to the corner of the house and I saw the helicopter go down.”

Mr. McKenna said it took a few minutes before the helicopter was engulfed in flames.

“Unfortunately, no-one could really help him. He had no chance,” he said.

The victim was remembered as an “outstanding pilot” and “great mate to many” in a social media post from the Tasmania Fire Service’s air operations unit.

The registration number of the helicopter, which was manufactured in 1963, was VH-UHX.