The central Queensland community has been rocked by the death of Alan Acton, a "giant" of Queensland's cattle industry and "backbone of the community", who died in a helicopter crash on Tuesday.
Emergency services were called to the private property at Bingegang, 140 kilometres west of Rockhampton, about 11:30am where the 65-year-old man died.
Investigators believe he was mustering before he crashed.
Rockhampton Jockey Club chairman Rob Carr sent his condolences on what he said was "a sad day for all".
"It was a hell of a shock to us all," Mr Carr said.
"Alan was a gentleman in all ways, well-liked member of the community and racing fraternity, cattle industry — whatever he was in, he was the backbone of.
"[He] was well respected by all people."
Mr Acton had a love and passion for horse racing.
He, his brother Graeme, and their father, Tom, established the Middlemount races.
"Anyone that I've spoken to today, and I've had plenty of phone calls over this, had been the same way — just saddened by everything that's happened today and it'll never be the same with Alan not in our lives," Mr Carr said.
Mr Carr said he had known the well-respected Acton family for five decades.
"He was a true gentleman, fair and honest, you'd never get a nicer guy," he said.
"There's some people certainly hurt by this, and feeling for Alan's family in this sad time."
'Giant' of the cattle industry
The Acton family is synonymous with the cattle industry.
Mr Acton ran the Wilpeena Cattle Company — his family celebrated the property's 100th anniversary in 2017.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
Agforce central Queensland regional manager Sara Cue sent condolences to the Acton family.
"A tragic loss to our central Queensland community and the Australian beef industry," she said.
Gregory MP Lachlan Miller described Mr Acton as "a great advocate" for graziers.
"They [the Acton brothers] were giants of the cattle industry," he said.
"They've had a huge impact not only in the cattle industry but also in supporting the community.
Capricornia MP Michelle Landy said she was heartbroken to hear her "dear friend" had died.
"Alan's knowledge in all things grazing was astounding and will leave a lasting legacy in the agriculture industry," she said.
"He was a stalwart of the beef and agriculture industry, with his knowledge in this area astounding.
"Today, the grazing community have lost a legend.
"The kind of man who loved what he did and loved his community even more.
"For many years to come, Alan's legacy will live on."
Crash investigation
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said crews attended the incident and were involved in extinguishing the smouldering wreckage.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said his organisation had started an investigation into the "collision with terrain" of the four-seat Robinson R44 helicopter.
The ATSB said the helicopter was conducting mustering operations at the time.
"ATSB investigators have now commenced early evidence collection and assessment activities, including gathering information from first responders and other stakeholders, to inform the scope of investigation activities," he said.
"Investigators will also seek to obtain and review any recorded data, weather information, witness reports, and aircraft maintenance records, and will review pilot qualifications and experience."
An Ergon Energy spokesperson said 35 customers were without power in the area but could not confirm whether or not the outage had been caused by the crash.
