Post by corsair67 on Jul 17, 2007 11:28:38 GMT 12
Two men lucky to walk away from helicopter crash
NZPA | Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Two men were lucky to escape serious injury when a helicopter crashed into a gully while mustering stock near Wanaka.
Constable Mike Johnston of the Wanaka police said the pilot of the Robinson 22 helicopter had picked up a second man on the Criffel Range at about 2.30pm before trying to fly up a hill face.
"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," Mr Johnston said.
He said the helicopter was extensively damaged and it was extremely lucky that both occupants were able to survive and walk away from the crash.
One of the pair was unhurt while the other was flown to hospital after complaining of shoulder and back pain.
Mr Johnston said the men were about to start mustering a tussock face that was covered in snow when the crash occurred in foggy conditions.
Fortunately the pilot was able to use his cellphone to call for help and an ambulance, police and a local search and rescue team were dispatched to the crash scene.
This crash has been referred to Civil Aviation Authority for investigation.
