Southern - Helicopter
Tuesday 17 July 2007, 11:40AM
By New Zealand Police
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A Robinson 22 helicopter crashed on the Criffel Range, Wanaka at approximately 2.30 yesterday afternoon.
Constable Mike Johnston of the Wanaka Police reported that two local males survived the crash with one been flown from the scene to Dunstan hospital for treatment.
There was no indication to the extent of his injuries but he was suffering from a sore shoulder and back pain when he was recovered.
The helicopter pilot indicated that he had just picked up his passenger from a nearby airstrip and were about to start mustering a tussock face that was covered in snow when the crash occurred.
He said that he lost lift while flying up this face and turned down a gully and descended to get some lift when the helicopter skids hit the ground, causing the helicopter to flip and land in the bottom of the gully.
There was fog in the area that the pilot was flying and there was reduced visibility at the time of the crash.
The helicopter was extensively damaged and it was extremely lucky that both occupants were able to survive and walk away from the crash.
The pilot was able to use his mobile phone to call for help, with Wanaka Ambulance, Wanaka Police and Wanaka Search and Rescue attended the crash scene.
This matter has been referred to CAA for investigation.
Constable Mike Johnston of the Wanaka Police reported that two local males survived the crash with one been flown from the scene to Dunstan hospital for treatment.
There was no indication to the extent of his injuries but he was suffering from a sore shoulder and back pain when he was recovered.
The helicopter pilot indicated that he had just picked up his passenger from a nearby airstrip and were about to start mustering a tussock face that was covered in snow when the crash occurred.
He said that he lost lift while flying up this face and turned down a gully and descended to get some lift when the helicopter skids hit the ground, causing the helicopter to flip and land in the bottom of the gully.
There was fog in the area that the pilot was flying and there was reduced visibility at the time of the crash.
The helicopter was extensively damaged and it was extremely lucky that both occupants were able to survive and walk away from the crash.
The pilot was able to use his mobile phone to call for help, with Wanaka Ambulance, Wanaka Police and Wanaka Search and Rescue attended the crash scene.
This matter has been referred to CAA for investigation.