Waterbombing pilot dies in NSW crash

Two investigations are underway into a fatal crash in south western New South Wales involving a firebombing plane.

The 32-year-old pilot, who was contracted to do waterbombing for the Rural Fire Service (RFS), died after crashing into a hill just south of Cootamundra, near Wagga Wagga at about 7.00pm local time (9.00pm NZT) last night.

Three aircraft had been involved in waterbombing the fire which was sparked by lightning late yesterday.

The RFS and air safety officials are sending investigators to the scene today to try and find out what happened.

The pilot was the only person on board the plane.

The fire has burnt 600 hectares of scrub and some farmland around the Mount Ulandra Nature Reserve.

Extra fire crews are being sent from Gundagai and Junee today to help prevent the blaze spreading east towards Muttama.

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) says the fatal crash is the first of its kind in Australia.

The RFS Commissioner, Phil Koperberg, says another pilot saw the plane turn and then suffer some sort of fault before crashing.

"Its the end of a perfect safety record in Australian aerial firefighting. We've never experienced the loss of a pilot and crew before," he said.

"How it happened is obviously the subject of multiple investigations."

The New South Wales Emergency Services Minister Tony Kelly says the pilot's death serves as a reminder of the dangers workers face.

"Unfortunately, this is just a sign of the difficulty and the risk that both our emergency services workers whether they be in the air or on the ground," he said.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA