Emergency services were called to the airport about 12.30 after the four-seater Robinson R22 helicopter crashed at low altitude.

The 56-year-old instructor and his 43-year-old student both suffered minor injuries.

One witness said he heard the crash and looked outside to see the men walking away from the damaged chopper.

“I heard a crash and heard the tail rotor hitting the ground,” they said.

“I saw (the two people inside) walking away from the helicopter, they were about 30 metres away.”

Parts of the helicopter, including a silver piece of pipe, could be seen scattered 40 metres away in a bus depot.

A NSW Police Force spokesman said the helicopter sustained significant damage and the incident will now be investigated by police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to determine what went wrong.

Bankstown Helicopters, which lists itself as one of Australia’s largest helicopter flight training and charter organisations, has declined to comment.

Anyone who saw the crash should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

MORE TO COME