“Tully had a wealth of aerial firefighting experience and his aviation knowledge and skills were of the highest standard, he was regarded as one of the most experienced fire bombing pilots in the industry,” the statement from Sydney Helicopters said.

“The aviation firefighting industry is very close and this tragic loss will be felt by all involved along with the broader firefighting community and those he worked alongside in other parts of the world.” 

EARLIER: A firefighting helicopter has crashed on the South Coast, killing the pilot.

The helicopter - believed to have had just the pilot on board - crashed in bushland near Ulladulla while bombing the Kingiman Fire. 

A call made to NSW Ambulance paramedics at 2.15pm Friday indicated the chopper had collided with a tree. 

"Significant resources" from emergency services have been sent to the area, a NSW Police spokesman said.

It has been confirmed over NSW Ambulance radio the waterbombing pilot was killed.

All other aircraft have been grounded.

The NSW Rural Fire Service confirmed at 2pm that "a serious incident" had occured "involving one of its contracted waterbombing helicopters working on a bush fire in the Shoalhaven area".

The Kingiman fire has burned through 1700 hectares since Wednesday, when it threatened homes in the Ulladulla area and destroyed almost a dozen outbuildings.

The aircraft, registration JWB-BK117 - is operated by Sydney Helicopters. 

A spokesman for the company said they were still working to gather information and could not confirm details of the crash.

It’s understood nearby naval base HMAS Albatross is also providing assistance.

A command post has been established near the crash site.

Emergency Services minister Troy Grant offered condolences to the deceased pilot’s family in a statement released 4.30pm. 

“This a tragic event and my deepest sympathies are with the pilot’s family and friends,” he said. 

“My thoughts and prayers are also with the emergency services community, especially the many brigades and units working to contain the Kingiman Fire.

“NSW Police and aviation authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of this incident and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.”

Police have confirmed the chopper’s wreckage was found at a property off Kingiman Road at Woodburn. The pilot was found deceased, they said.  

A crime scene has been established and will be forensically examined.

Police have notified the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which will investigate. 

South Coast MP Shelley Hancock also paid tribute to the pilot. 

“This is truly a sad day,” she said. “The pilot put his life on the line to protect and keep our community safe and he has paid the ultimate price”.

“It is a reminder to the entire community of the danger of bushfires, how quickly a situation can turn and the risks so many volunteers and professional personnel face as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.”

A firefighting pilot crashed in similar circumstances five years ago when his fixed-wing waterbombing plane went down during firefighting operations not far from Friday’s crash site.

Trangie father-of-three David Black, 43, was killed when his Dromader plane crashed in the Budawang National Park, 40 kilometres west of Ulladulla, in October 2013.

with Perry Duffin, AAP