Ambulance officers say the passenger and pilot in a Helistar Helicopter that crashed near Huka Rd in Taupo today are lucky to have escaped serious injuries.
The scenic Bell Jetranger helicopter crashed about 12.30pm today.
The male passenger in his late twenties was taken by ambulanceto Taupo hospital with moderate injuries, including concussion and back pain.
The pilot suffered minor whip-lash and was treated at the scene.
St John ambulance area manager Craig Scott said the pair were lucky to have escaped without serious injury.
"The helicopter is quite a mess, it won't be flying again. It's unbelievable they weren't more seriously hurt."
Details about the flight and accident are still uncertain but it is believed the helicopter may have missed the landing pad, which is only 6m away from the crash site.
Helistar Helicopters is Taupo based and has been in operation since 1991.
It specialises in scenic flights, charters and aerial work including filming, lifting, weed control and fire fighting.
