Three survive NSW border chopper crash

Three men have survived a helicopter crash on a mountain ridge on the border of NSW
and Queensland.
An ambulance helicopter was called to a remote area north of Woodenbong in NSW,
close to the Queensland border, about 2.30pm (AEDT) following reports another
chopper had crashed in the area.
Three men aged in their 30s and 40s were found alive on top of a ridge in Mount
Barney National Park in Queensland, north of Woodenbong, the NSW Ambulance Service
said.
They were uninjured, but after being winched from the crash site, were taken to
Woodenbong to speak with police.
The helicopter is owned by Chopperline flight training company.
"We can confirm that one of our helicopters with three people on board was involved
in an incident near Kyogle," the company said in a statement.
"No one was injured in the incident. Authorities are investigating and we can make
no further comment."
Innes Larkin, the co-owner of the nearby Mount Barney Lodge, said he heard the
helicopter flying around on Thursday morning but thought it was authorities
preparing for a planned burn off in the area.
"But then it disappeared and then we heard more choppers buzzing and we went: 'Maybe
it's the same chopper back again'," Mr Innes said.
"We didn't hear a crash but heard them buzzing around."
Mr Larkin said the crash was "unusual" because he rarely saw helicopters in the area.
He described Mount Barney National Park as a beautiful area, favoured by bushwalkers
and nature-lovers.
"It's spectacular from a helicopter, but not one that crashes.
"It would have been a tricky rescue."