An investigation is under way to look into an overnight helicopter accident which killed two, a Hong Kong official said Wednesday.

A Hong Kong Government Flying Service (GFS) EC155 B1 helicopter, during an airlift mission to pick up a patient in Cheung Chau island, crashed Tuesday night over the Lantau island, killing the pilot and a crewman on board.

Norman Lo, deputy director-general of the Civil Aviation Department, said at a joint press conference Wednesday that a five-member investigation team was set up to probe the cause of the accident.

He also said his department had notified the French producer of the helicopter. It was not clear for the time being whether the latter would send representatives to partake in the investigation.

According to Lo, the investigation team will first gather as much information as possible, including that on the helicopter wreckage, crew members, and weather conditions at the time of the accident. He noted that as the helicopter wreckage is widely scattered in a mountainous region, the information gathering would prove to be difficult and time-consuming.

After mastering enough information for analysis, they would conduct an in-depth investigation in order to bring up an initial report.

Controller of GFS Brian Butt pointed out at the press conference that after the incident, the GFS conducted a thorough check of all their helicopters and found them all in good conditions.

Pilot I Pang Fu-kwok, 34, had accumulated 4,000 flying hours of experience, while Chan Man-tik, air crewman officer III, was once medaled for his good performance, according to Butt.

Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph W.P. Wong expressed profound sadness upon the death of two crew members.

"The Civil Service Bureau will make every effort to help their families during this sad and difficult period," said Wong.

Secretary for Security Ambrose S. K. Lee also stated that his bureau stands ready to provide all possible assistance to help the family members of the two victims.

GFS was officially established as a disciplined service in 1993, having functioned previously as the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force.

GFS exists to provide the community of Hong Kong with a broad variety of flying services, including casualty and medical evacuation, maritime and land search and rescue, fire fighting and support to the various law enforcement agencies.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2003)