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Bali helicopter crash: Perth men survive crash in South Kuta region that was supposed to be birthday ride

Gabrielle Becerra Mellet & James CarmodyThe West Australian
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VideoTwo Perth men have narrowly escaped death after a horror helicopter crash in Bali.

It was supposed to be a scenic birthday ride in the sky, but two Perth men have narrowly escaped death after a helicopter crash in Bali’s South Kuta region.

Australian expat Russell Harris is lucky to be alive after taking a sight-seeing flight with his partner Keylla on Friday.

His friend Chris Marrot-Castellat — also from Perth — joined the group.

Only minutes into the trip, the helicopter’s rotor became entangled with the strings of a kite being flown on a beach near Uluwatu.

In a shocking twist, the helicopter crashed to the ground and smashed in a ravine, between limestone cliffs.

Russell Harris escaped with a sore back, while his partner Keylla has a suspected fracture in her neck.
Camera IconRussell Harris escaped with a sore back, while his partner Keylla has a suspected fracture in her neck. Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWS
It was supposed to be a scenic birthday ride in the sky, but two Perth men have narrowly escaped death after a helicopter crash in Bali’s South Kuta region.
Camera IconIt was supposed to be a scenic birthday ride in the sky, but two Perth men have narrowly escaped death after a helicopter crash in Bali’s South Kuta region. Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWS
His friend Chris Marrot-Castellat (pictured) — also from Perth — joined the group. 
Camera IconHis friend Chris Marrot-Castellat (pictured) — also from Perth — joined the group.  Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWS

All five people survived the incident, including the pilot and an additional crew member who both avoided life-threatening injuries.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, where they described seeing “propellers tangled in kite string”.

On Saturday, the trio said they were in “great spirits” and “disbelief” that they were okay.

Mr Harris, 46, was stretchered out of the crash and escaped with a sore back, while his partner Keylla was taken to hospital with a suspected fracture in her neck.

All five people survived the incident, including the pilot and an additional crew member who both avoided life-threatening injuries. 
Camera IconAll five people survived the incident, including the pilot and an additional crew member who both avoided life-threatening injuries.  Credit: 7NEWS/7NEWS

Mr Marrot-Castellat walked away from the wreck with severe bruising.

Speaking to Channel Nine, Mr Harris said he was glad the pilot retained “some type of control” as the helicopter dropped.

“Very scary, it’s my first time in a helicopter. . . it was my birthday today,” he said.

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