An experienced helicopter pilot who died in a crash while fighting bushfires in northeast Tasmania has been remembered as a great mate to many.
The 41-year-old man was killed on Monday afternoon when the water-bombing aircraft went down in a paddock.
He was the sole occupant and had been helping battle blazes at Lebrina across several days.
A tribute from Air Operations Unit - Tasmania, an online group of aerial firefighters, described him as an "outstanding pilot and great mate to many".
"He was highly respected within the aviation industry and the Tasmania Fire Service," the Facebook post read.
"The Tasmania Fire Service Aerial Operations team are saddened by (the) loss and are proud to have worked alongside him and call him a mate.
"Our thoughts and condolences are with (his) family, friends and work colleagues."
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Three ATSB specialist investigators arrived at the crash site on Tuesday and will gather evidence, map the scene and interview witnesses over coming days.
"As reported to us the helicopter jettisoned its water bucket and line before colliding with the ground in a paddock," ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
A preliminary report is expected to be published in 6-8 weeks.
"Should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken," Mr Mitchell said.
The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) has said all aerial assets would be assessed on Tuesday before being allowed to fly, after they were grounded in the aftermath of the crash.
The Railton Fire Brigade has also offered their condolences to family, friends, firefighters and support crew.
"Sometimes God takes hero's (sic) from us for unknown reasons to many," an online post signed by brigade chief Ross Crack said.
Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said it was a reminder of the risks taken by firefighters and pilots.
"My heart goes out to the family. This is a heartbreaking time for them," he told reporters.
TFS acting deputy chief Jeff Harper has described the pilot as experienced and someone who had been involved in multiple previous incidents in Tasmania.
Mr Harper said he understood the man was working as a contractor, and was flying a heavy water bomber capable of carrying up to 3000 litres.
The Lebrina fire, which has burned 1660 hectares after sparking late last week when a burn-off on private land got out of hand, was at 'advice' level on Tuesday.
A number of forestry plantations have been impacted and one outbuilding has been destroyed.
