Post by vgp on Feb 18, 2009 11:10:01 GMT 12
Helicopter crash near Te Awamutu
By WARWICK RASMUSSEN - Waikato Times | Wednesday, 18 February 2009
LATEST: A pilot has escaped serious injury after the helicopter he was flying crashed near Waikeria Prison, south of Te Awamutu, this morning.
The pilot was the only person on board when the helicopter crashed about 7.45am.
Te Awamutu Police sub-area manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Simes, said the pilot of the Hiller UH12E, was weed spraying about 8.15am when he noticed a problem with his engine.
"He's done a loop to come into land in a paddock next to the prison's administration block when part of his spraying equipment has made contact with a water trough causing the aircraft to flip.
"While the damage to the aircraft appears significant, due to the low altitude and reduced speed the pilot escaped unscathed," said Mr Simes.
The helicopter was upside down near the prison, surrounded by emergency services vehicles.
Police and ambulance staff were called to the scene however the pilot did not require medical attention.
.Mr Simes said the Civil Aviation Authority was investigating the crash.
www.stuff.co.nz/waikatotimes/4851586a6004.html
By WARWICK RASMUSSEN - Waikato Times | Wednesday, 18 February 2009
LATEST: A pilot has escaped serious injury after the helicopter he was flying crashed near Waikeria Prison, south of Te Awamutu, this morning.
The pilot was the only person on board when the helicopter crashed about 7.45am.
Te Awamutu Police sub-area manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Simes, said the pilot of the Hiller UH12E, was weed spraying about 8.15am when he noticed a problem with his engine.
"He's done a loop to come into land in a paddock next to the prison's administration block when part of his spraying equipment has made contact with a water trough causing the aircraft to flip.
"While the damage to the aircraft appears significant, due to the low altitude and reduced speed the pilot escaped unscathed," said Mr Simes.
The helicopter was upside down near the prison, surrounded by emergency services vehicles.
Police and ambulance staff were called to the scene however the pilot did not require medical attention.
.Mr Simes said the Civil Aviation Authority was investigating the crash.
www.stuff.co.nz/waikatotimes/4851586a6004.html
