Helicopter comes down on Uretiti Beach, two occupants escape with minor injuries

Two occupants of a home-built kit helicopter that had a “rough landing” on a beach in Northland had a lucky escape.

Police said it received reports of a helicopter “coming down” on Uretiti Beach around 12.15pm on Sunday.

“One of the people who reported it said there were two people on board,” a police spokeswoman said.

A firefighter at the scene in Uretiti Beach said the helicopter was forced down and had a “bit of a rough landing” but the two occupants escaped with minor injuries.

Hato Hone St John said two people were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.

Emergency services at the scene told the Herald they were amazed the pilot and passenger walked away from the crash.

The Herald understands the helicopter is a home-built kit helicopter, the Safari model manufactured by Canadian Home Rotors, and owned by a local Northland man.

Bystanders in four wheel drives rushed to help the pilot and passenger, it’s understood. They declined to comment to media at the scene.

The Northland Emergency Services Trust helicopter leaves the scene of the helicopter crash on Uretiti Beach near Waipu. Photo / George Block

The helicopter was airlifted off the beach by contractors shortly before 3pm.

A witness at a nearby holiday park said they noticed the aircraft making several low passes over the beach.

”It flew just over us at the camp real low,” she said.

”I didn’t hear it go down or anything.”

There is an onshore breeze from the south but conditions and visibility are good.

Remnants of the tail rotor, which struck a dune on the way down, could be seen on the beach.

The crash scene is about 1km north up the beach from Tip Rd, Waipu.

The spokeswoman said the Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCCNZ) and the Civil Aviation Authority have both been advised.