Search begins for cause of Atlantis chopper crash

The UAE's aviation regulator has confirmed that an investigation has been launched into a helicopter crash in Dubai that left two people injured.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said in a Twitter post that the findings of the investigation would be made public once completed.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general, said that the causes of the accident, which happened on Palm Jumeirah on Wednesday, were still unknown.

The helicopter is thought to have crashed during take-off in the parking lot of the Atlantis Palm hotel. The pilot is in the intensive care unit of Rashid Hospital.

A second crew member on board also sustained injuries described as moderate.

The helicopter was operated by Alpha Tours which said in a statement cited by Dubai newspapers: “We can confirm that there was an accident at noon on Wednesday involving one of our helicopters at the Palm Jumeirah.

"The helicopter was an EC130B4 registration A6-DYR with one pilot and one member of our ground staff on board. No members of the public were involved. We can confirm that both the pilot and crew member are in a stable condition.”

Alpha Tours said it is cooperating with the GCAA investigation. The helicopter tours have been suspended until January 27, it was reported.