LAST UPDATE | 12 Dec 2022

A BODY HAS been removed from the wreckage of a light helicopter crash in Co Kildare yesterday.

The helicopter crashed into a field in Brannockstown, about five kilometres from Kilcullen yesterday evening.

Air accident investigators have completed their work examining the scene and are transporting the wreckage to a facility in Co Meath for further examination. 

It’s understood there was heavy fog in the area yesterday. 

Gardaí and emergency services crews remained at the scene this morning and a technical examination was conducted by investigators. Gardaí have now completed the holding of the scene. 

The body was removed from the site by hearse this morning and taken to Naas Mortuary where an identification will take place. 

A file will be prepared for the Coroner Court. 

Gardaí said it will provide assistance to the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU), which is the lead agency in the investigation.

It remains unclear how many people were travelling on board the helicopter at the time of the incident and it is understood that the helicopter involved is privately owned.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) was dispatched following the crash. 

In a statement released this afternoon on social media it confirmed it has completed its work at the site of the crash and intends to publish a preliminary report on the investigation “within one month”. 

The statement said: “The AAIU has now completed its on-site activities at the location of an accident involving a Robinson R44 helicopter that occurred on Sunday 11th December 2022 near Brannockstown, Co. Kildare.

The AAIU has now completed its on-site activities at Brannockstown, Co. Kildare following an accident involving a US-registered Robinson R44 helicopter that occurred on Sunday 11th December 2022.

— AAIU IRELAND (@aaiu_ireland) December 12, 2022

“The wreckage is being transported under escort to the AAIU wreckage examination facility at Gormanston Co. Meath for further assessment.

“All the circumstances of the flight will be considered as part of the investigation, and a Preliminary Report will be published within one month of the date of the accident.”

With reporting by Eoghan Dalton, Niall O’Connor, and Press Association