Passengers Were Conducting Geological Survey

Australian rescuers confirmed Wednesday that no one survived the Tuesday morning downing of a four-place Robinson R-44 (file photo of type, below) about 90 miles north of Mount Isa in Queensland.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority said a rescue team was lowered into the crash site by another helicopter. Officials describe the terrain as "very rugged."

"They had said that there were no survivors, but they couldn't confirm the number of bodies at a first check," CASA spokesman Peter Gibson said. "But they confirmed that no one was alive."

The R-44 departed Mount Isa early Tuesday morning. The three passengers on board were conducting a geological survey of Mount Gordon and Mount Kelly, according to the Australian Associated Press.

Australia's national search and rescue organization, AusSAR, sent four helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft out in an effort to find the missing Robinson. It was flown by a 28-year old female pilot. The passengers were all men between 35- and 50-years old.

Although the Robinson was equipped with an ELT, another handheld ELT and a satellite phone, no emergency beacon was ever activated. The investigation continues.

FMI: www.atsb.gov.au, www.casa.gov.au