NSW chopper crash investigation continues

An investigation into a helicopter crash that killed three people will continue after their bodies were retrieved.

The bodies of photographer Richard Green, his wife and graphic artist Carolyn, and documentary maker John Davis have been removed in a delicate operation from wreckage in NSW's Hunter region.

Investigations will continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash, which happened after the trio took off from an anti-mining event at Breeza, near Tamworth, on Saturday.

The helicopter, which should have landed in Sydney after two hours, was discovered on Monday night in pieces on mountainous terrain in the NSW Watagans National Park, near Cessnock.

No mayday calls or emergency beacons were detected on Saturday when severe storms hit the Hunter region.

Family members became concerned at the weekend when Mr Green, 74, Mrs Green, 71, and Mr Davis, 72, failed to return to Sydney.