Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 12, 2006 10:16:59 GMT 12
www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200612120712/crash_pilot_avoided_landing_in_crater_lake
Crash pilot avoided landing in Crater Lake
Posted at 7:12am on 12 Dec 2006
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed on Mt Ruapehu on Monday is being called a hero.
Five people, including the pilot were taken to hospital; one person is in a stable condition in Waikato Hospital.
The crash happened shortly after 6pm at the Crater Lake, and police say one of the passengers managed to call for help.
Pete Masters from Philips Search & Rescue in Taupo, who rescued them, says the pilot did the best job he could have done.
He says the pilot took off and made a mistake with the wind direction, and then realised he could not fly out of it.
But he says the pilot handled the helicopter well and averted a greater disaster by avoiding crashing into the lake.
Crash pilot avoided landing in Crater Lake
Posted at 7:12am on 12 Dec 2006
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed on Mt Ruapehu on Monday is being called a hero.
Five people, including the pilot were taken to hospital; one person is in a stable condition in Waikato Hospital.
The crash happened shortly after 6pm at the Crater Lake, and police say one of the passengers managed to call for help.
Pete Masters from Philips Search & Rescue in Taupo, who rescued them, says the pilot did the best job he could have done.
He says the pilot took off and made a mistake with the wind direction, and then realised he could not fly out of it.
But he says the pilot handled the helicopter well and averted a greater disaster by avoiding crashing into the lake.
