Helicopter Crash in Southern District, 5:10pm 16 Apr 2009

Wanaka Police report that a search and rescue was instigated after a beacon assigned to a Robinson 22 helicopter was activated late this afternoon.

Constable Mike Johnston from Wanaka Police Search and Rescue said that the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) received a beacon activation from an aircraft assigned to a Robinson helicopter that was being used in the Cardrona Valley.

A rescue helicopter with Wanaka Land SAR Alpine Cliff Rescue personnel were just about to search the area when the owner of the helicopter reported that he had found the wreckage and the pilot.

Enquires established that there was only the pilot in the machine at the time of the crash and he sustained very minor injuries.

The helicopter collided with a hill and then rolled down the slope for approximately 80 metres. The pilot was involved in deer farm work at the time of the accident.

This matter has been referred to CAA.