Northern Territory Police are investigating a fatal helicopter incident that occurred in Gapuwiyak this afternoon.

Around 2:00pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports that a helicopter carrying two occupants had made an emergency landing at the Lake Evella airstrip after the aircraft struck a bird. The impact allegedly caused the bird to fatally strike a 54-year-old male passenger.

The pilot was able to land the aircraft safely and was uninjured.

Police and St John Ambulance attended the scene; however, the 54-year-old male was declared deceased.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

NT WorkSafe and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been notified.

** This media release has been updated to reflect the male's correct age of 54**